William Saliba’s crucial second-half goal, following a corner from Declan Rice, secured a hard-fought draw in a challenging London derby marked by rainy conditions. This vital equalizer came shortly after the break, with Saliba capitalizing on a header from Kai Havertz that found him at the far post.
The match saw Arsenal going into halftime trailing after Raul Jimenez scored with Fulham’s only shot on target in the first half, showcasing the hosts’ opportunistic play. Early dominance from Arsenal saw them controlling the ball and forcing corners, but Fulham struck first, capitalizing on their swift transition from defense to attack. Following a clever release from Kenny Tete, Jimenez sprinted past Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, catching Arsenal off guard.
Despite maintaining the majority of possession, Arsenal struggled to break down Fulham’s organized defense, with Bernd Leno, an ex-Arsenal keeper, making crucial saves to keep the hosts in the game. Arsenal’s chances included a well-placed shot from Declan Rice that went wide and a volley from Bukayo Saka that missed its target.
The second half saw a determined push from Arsenal, and after a series of corners, Rice’s delivery became instrumental again. His deep corner kick was met by Havertz’s header, allowing Saliba to score, confirming the equalizer after a VAR check deemed him onside.
Although Arsenal continued to press for a winner, including a close chance for Thomas Partey and a near miss from Saka that was ruled offside after a VAR review, the game ultimately ended in a draw. This result leaves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, who sit in second place.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will shift their focus to the Champions League, as they prepare to host AS Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League match against Everton next Saturday.
In summary, while the draw may feel like a missed opportunity, Arsenal showed resilience and fighting spirit to earn a point away from home. The team’s strong possession and tactical adjustments signal potential for future matches. As they embark on Champions League action, there’s hope that they can build on this momentum and improve their standing in both the league and European competition.