William Saliba scored a second-half equalizer, capitalizing on a corner from Declan Rice, as the match ended in a draw in a challenging London derby marked by tough weather conditions.
Saliba found the net shortly after the break, converting a header from Kai Havertz at the far post, which brought new life to the game. The Gunners had been trailing at halftime due to Raul Jimenez’s opener for the hosts. Jimenez struck for Fulham with their sole shot on target in the first 45 minutes, a well-placed finish into the bottom corner following a swift transition from defense.
In the beginning, Arsenal controlled the game, enjoying the bulk of possession and creating chances, including a couple of corners. However, they were unable to capitalize until the second half. Despite a series of efforts, including a shot from Declan Rice that tested Fulham’s keeper Bernd Leno, the Gunners struggled to break through Fulham’s organized defense.
The turning point came as Arsenal increased their tempo in the second half. After a promising free-kick from Rice, Saliba’s goal in the 49th minute tied the match, confirming his presence as a crucial player in the Gunners’ lineup this season. VAR checked for offside, but Saliba was deemed onside, allowing the goal to stand.
With the draw, Arsenal remains six points behind Liverpool, who currently hold second place in the league table. The team had chances to seal the win late in the match, including a disallowed goal from Bukayo Saka, which was overturned after a VAR review.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will shift their focus to the Champions League, where they will face AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Subsequently, they will return to Premier League action next Saturday against Everton.
This recent performance, although ending in a stalemate, showcased resilience from the Gunners and the ability to rally after setbacks, indicating a strong fighting spirit as they continue to compete in both domestic and European competitions. With key players like Saliba and Rice making significant contributions, the team has the potential to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming matches.