Arsenal and Fulham played to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, leaving the Gunners feeling especially frustrated after a late goal by Bukayo Saka was disallowed for offside. This match was one where Arsenal dominated possession and created more opportunities but ultimately settled for just one point.
Mikel Arteta’s squad controlled the ball for 67% of the game and only managed to register one shot on target in the first half. However, they came alive after halftime, attempting seven shots while Fulham struggled to keep pace, managing just one shot and limited activity in the Arsenal box.
The scoring began with Raúl Jiménez, who netted Fulham’s first shot of the match just 11 minutes in. Despite the early setback, Arsenal responded well and equalized in the second half through a set-piece. Declan Rice’s inswinging corner found Kai Havertz at the back post, whose header led to William Saliba tapping in the equalizer. This goal was indicative of Arsenal’s proficiency in set-piece situations, having scored the most corner goals in the Premier League since the 2022-23 season.
The match took a dramatic turn in the dying minutes when Saka appeared to score the match-winner. However, VAR intervened, ruling Gabriel Martinelli offside prior to the assist. This ruling means that Arsenal has struggled to convert leads into victories over their last 24 away games when trailing at halftime, with just one comeback win.
Despite the draw, there are some positive takeaways for Arsenal, particularly their ability to create chances and their efficiency at set pieces. The team’s performance indicates a continued pressing momentum that could yield better results in future matches.
As for Fulham, while they managed to secure a point, they may reflect on their lack of opportunities throughout the game. Their situation reminds them that with a little more offensive effort, they might be able to convert draws into wins in upcoming fixtures.
In conclusion, both teams have areas to improve upon, but Arsenal’s strong showing in possession and set-pieces signals their potential for success as the season progresses.