Trossard scored but Arsenal couldn’t get three points. Here’s what happened at Craven Cottage
The Belgian striker scored a goal in the second half, allowing Arsenal to take first place in the Premier League table. Gabriel Magalhaes lunged towards the front post and rose to turn his header further, while Trossard was waiting to send the ball to the back post.
The goal came from Arsenal’s distinctive corner kick routine and demonstrated the continuing effectiveness of their set-piece strategy. The substitution saw Arsenal bring in Mikel Merino to replace Eberechi Eze; Fulham, on the other hand, brought Kevin instead of Josh King and Emile Smith Rowe instead of Tom Cairney.
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Physical clash at Craven Cottage tests Arsenal’s depth amid injury crisis
Arsenal entered the match without several key attacking players. Captain Martin Odegaard will not play until November after suffering another injury in the win over West Ham. Attackers Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remained on the sidelines.
While Viktor Gyokeres led the attack in the squad, Eberechi Eze served in the midfield alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Arsenal’s starting eleven included Raya in goal; There were Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori in defense, Zubimendi, Rice and Eze in midfield and Saka, Trossard and Gyokeres in attack.
Fulham also faced personnel problems. Before half-time, Joachim Andersen entered the game and was replaced by Issa Diop. Injuries to Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz were questionable, potentially forcing youngster Josh King to lead the line.
Arsenal avoid late penalty appeal after VAR review
There was a controversial moment in the closing stages of the match when referee Anthony Taylor awarded Arsenal a penalty after Kevin tackled Bukayo Saka. VAR sent Taylor to the pitchside monitor, but the tackle was in the penalty area; Kevin received the ball before Saka and the ball moved out of Saka’s path. Referee Anthony Taylor announced to the crowd that Kevin had handled the ball and therefore no penalty was awarded. The decision was crucial as Fulham pressed on to equalize in the final minutes.
Fulham’s missed opportunities and Arsenal’s defensive resistance
Despite limited possession, Fulham created many dangerous moments. Harry Wilson was particularly active, finding space and creating chances, but finishing them eluded him on at least three occasions.
Marco Silva aimed for Riccardo Calafiori’s side, while Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez dragged shots from the left at the far post. The home team included former Arsenal players Bernd Leno, Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe.
Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya made crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet. In stoppage time, Bernd Leno made a double save from Viktor Gyokeres and then grabbed Gabriel Martinelli’s rebound.
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Match statistics reveal tight contest between London rivals
The fourth official signaled nine minutes of added time as Arsenal tried to maintain their narrow advantage. Arsenal controlled possession but struggled to create clear opportunities in open play and relied on their set-piece skills to break the deadlock.
The head-to-head record shows that Arsenal had 10 wins, Fulham had 2 wins and 6 draws in the matches. Fulham have beaten Arsenal just nine times since 1904, and all of those wins have come at their home stadium.
This victory will continue Arsenal’s unbeaten run and put them in pole position in the title race. Arsenal are unbeaten in four matches since their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool; Back-to-back wins over Newcastle and at home to West Ham United were impressive.
Fulham’s home form offers little consolation despite strong season
Despite the defeat, Fulham’s season remains respectable. Aston Villa and Bournemouth’s last defeats came away, and Fulham are unbeaten in their five home games this season, dropping points just once.
Fulham have won just twice in the Premier League this season, both coming at home against Brentford and Leeds, who are in the last six. The Cottagers currently sit 14th in a tough fixture schedule.
