8th December, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Arsenal’s aspirations of narrowing Liverpool’s lead at the Premier League summit took a hit on Sunday, as the Gunners managed only a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Fulham seized an early advantage in the 11th minute when Raul Jimenez capitalised on a precise through ball from Kenny Tete.
The forward showcased his clinical finishing by slotting a close-range shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with no chance.
Arsenal responded with intent but struggled to find the back of the net in the first half. Declan Rice came close in the 24th minute with a powerful drive that narrowly missed the target, while Bukayo Saka’s skilful run and shot in the 38th minute was brilliantly denied by Fulham’s Bernd Leno.
The Gunners finally found their equaliser in the 52nd minute when William Saliba fired home from inside the box, assisted by a Kai Havertz header.
A brief VAR review confirmed the goal, much to the relief of the Arsenal faithful.
Arsenal pressed on for a winner, with Thomas Partey heading narrowly wide in the 70th minute.
However, Fulham’s Andreas Pereira nearly restored the hosts’ lead two minutes later, only for Raya to produce a stunning save to keep the score level.
Drama unfolded in the dying moments of the match when Saka appeared to have scored the winner with a deft header.
However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal offside and extinguishing Arsenal’s hopes of a crucial victory.
The draw leaves Arsenal further adrift in their pursuit of Liverpool, who remain firmly in control of the Premier League standings.
For Fulham, the result marks a hard-fought point against one of the league’s title contenders.
