A late goal from Bukayo Saka was disallowed for offside, leaving Arsenal to share the spoils with Fulham in a match they felt they should have won. The game, played at Craven Cottage, ended in a 1-1 draw, but Arsenal’s performance throughout the match will leave them feeling frustrated that they didn’t secure all three points.
Arsenal controlled the game with 67% possession and showed improvement in the second half, where they attempted seven shots compared to just one in the first half. In contrast, Fulham managed only one shot and had minimal presence in Arsenal’s defensive third.
The scoring was opened by Raúl Jiménez in the 11th minute, a goal that came against the run of play and marked Jiménez’s fifth goal of the season. This was only Fulham’s second touch inside the Arsenal half, yet it found the back of the net, showcasing the potential for upsets in football.
Arsenal equalized seven minutes into the second half through a corner kick. Declan Rice’s inswinging delivery found Kai Havertz at the back post, who directed it to William Saliba for a close-range tap-in. This goal was a testament to Arsenal’s effectiveness from set pieces, as it marked their 36th goal from corners in the Premier League since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, more than any other team.
In the dying moments of the game, just as it seemed Arsenal had snatched victory, Saka’s header was ruled out by VAR due to Gabriel Martinelli being offside during the build-up. This disallowed goal extended a troubling trend for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, where they have only turned around one of their last 24 away games in the Premier League after trailing at halftime.
Despite the disappointment, the match featured some notable statistics. Arsenal scored 15 goals from corners this year, their most in a single calendar year, and William Saliba stands out as one of the top-scoring defenders from set pieces, showcasing Arsenal’s tactical proficiency.
Looking ahead, Arsenal can find hope in their ability to dominate possession and create chances, which are positive indicators for future matches. They will surely aim to learn from this experience and convert dominant performances into victories.
For further insights, fans can delve into the extensive match statistics available on the Opta match center, exploring player performances and tactical details from this exciting London derby.