Football Review | Fulham 0 -1 Arsenal

Another three important points for Arteta’s side

Leandro Trossard’s second-half strike proved decisive as Arsenal edged past a resilient Fulham to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Craven Cottage

View from the stands

Mikel Arteta was without captain Martin Ødegaard, handing Eberechi Eze a start as he sought to make the most of his side’s attacking depth. It was Fulham, however, who began on the front foot. Harry Wilson went close early on, and Josh King forced a fine save from David Raya, who tipped his effort over the bar.

Arsenal gradually found their rhythm, with Riccardo Calafiori seeing a well-crafted finish ruled out for offside. The visitors returned from the interval with greater purpose, pinning Fulham back for long spells. Their breakthrough came on 58 minutes, when Gabriel flicked on Bukayo Saka’s corner and Trossard pounced at the back post to fire home.

Saka later appeared to have won a penalty, only for the decision to be overturned by VAR after a lengthy review.

Arsenal’s set-piece mastery continues...

Arsenal arrived at Craven Cottage on a run of four straight league wins, knowing victory would give them clear daylight at the top for the first time this season. Previous visits had been less successful, with a defeat and a draw in their last two trips.

There is, however, a sense of greater resilience about Arteta’s squad this season. The eight summer signings have added depth and quality, allowing Arsenal to find solutions in tighter matches.

Once again, their threat from set-pieces proved decisive. Arsenal’s precision from dead-ball situations has been a major weapon, with Saka and Declan Rice continuing to deliver consistently accurate corners and free-kicks. The Gunners have now scored eight goals from set-pieces this season, seven of them from corners.

Arsenal players celebrate

Arteta praised his side’s preparation after the match, noting how they work specifically on set-pieces against teams that defend deep. Since the start of the 2021–22 season, Arsenal have scored 63 goals from corners in the Premier League, more than any other club, with the next best on 47.

This win extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions and underlined the growing confidence of a team that looks better equipped than ever to sustain a title challenge.