Fulham 1-1 Arsenal: Gunners held to draw by Cottagers after VAR rules out late winner
Arsenal managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League, thereby extending their scoring streak in London derbies to 18 matches since May 2022. However, they were unable to close the gap to leaders Liverpool, remaining four points adrift.
As expected, given their status as the league's top set-piece scorers, Arsenal's first opportunity arose from a corner within the opening three minutes. Declan Rice delivered the ball into the six-yard area, where William Saliba directed a header wide of the target.
Fulham capitalized on Arsenal's missed chance with their only significant attack of the first half, taking the lead eight minutes later. Raul Jimenez seized a through ball and executed a superb finish into the far bottom corner.
Undaunted, the Gunners maintained their dominance, with Rice sending a half-volley just wide following a fine pass from Leandro Trossard. Bukayo Saka then had a right-footed shot that was expertly saved by Bernd Leno, marking the visitors' sole shot on target before halftime.
The second half saw Arsenal quickly register their second shot on target, which resulted in the equalizer just eight minutes in. Once again, it stemmed from a corner, with Rice's delivery finding Kai Havertz at the back post. Havertz's cushioned header set up Saliba, who scored his second goal in as many matches.
With renewed confidence, the Gunners pressed forward, as Trossard cut inside and forced another save from Leno. A subsequent corner from Rice presented Thomas Partey with a prime opportunity, but he headed wide while unmarked from close range.
Fulham remained a threat on the counterattack, with Andreas Pereira attempting a shot towards David Raya's near post, but the goalkeeper successfully blocked the effort with his leg.
In the closing stages, Arsenal appeared more likely to secure a winner, with Rice's long-range effort being comfortably saved by Leno. Late in the match, the Gunners thought they had scored when Saka headed in a cross from Gabriel Martinelli, but the goal was disallowed due to a marginal offside call against the Brazilian.
The Cottagers managed to secure a valuable point, whereas Arsenal will feel disheartened for not taking full advantage of the postponement of Liverpool's match.
SportsLigue