31st December, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Arsenal’s quest to end 2023 on top of the premier league suffered a setback on Sunday after they lost 2-1 to Fulham at the Craven Cottage.
The Gunners had lost 2-0 to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium last Thursday, making today’s loss a back-to-back defeat.
Despite drawing the first blood early in the game, Arsenal could not sustain the tempo and capitulated to their host, which stepped up their game.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal just five minutes into the game after tapping home from almost on the goal line after a lucky rebound fell at his feet.
Ten minutes later, Raul Jimenez had time and space inside the box after picking up a neat pass, but his shot towards the middle of the goal was easily saved by David Raya.
Past mid-way into the first half, Fulham equalised. Raul Jimenez scored with a brilliant low shot into the middle of the goal after being released inside the box by a superb lofted pass from Tom Cairney.
In the 60th minute, Fulham doubled their lead. The attempt by Joao Palhinha was blocked, but from the middle of the box, Bobby De Cordova-Reid hit the rebound into the top of the net.
Four minutes later, Saka missed an absolute sitter after connecting with a cross inside the penalty box.
Fulham almost added a third goal two minutes to the end of the match. Andreas Pereira unleashed a brilliant effort from the free kick, but the ball crashed against the bar.