Arsenal Held to Frustrating 1-1 Draw Against Fulham
Arsenal’s hopes of cutting the gap at the top of the Premier League were dealt a blow on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage. It was a frustrating evening for Mikel Arteta’s men, who dominated much of the game but failed to capitalize on their chances. The disappointment was compounded by a late VAR decision that ruled out what would have been a dramatic winner from Bukayo Saka.
The match began with Arsenal on the front foot, controlling possession and probing for openings. However, Fulham struck early, taking advantage of Arsenal’s defensive absences. Raul Jimenez, sharp and decisive, latched onto a clever pass from Kenny Tete, surged forward, and delivered a stunning strike across David Raya and into the far corner of the net. The goal came against the run of play but highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities Arsenal were dealing with due to injuries to Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori.
The early setback didn’t deter Arsenal, who pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Their perseverance paid off midway through the first half when a well-rehearsed set-piece routine brought them level. From a Declan Rice corner, Kai Havertz rose highest to flick the ball toward William Saliba, who was perfectly positioned to stab it home from close range. It was another example of Arsenal’s strength from set-pieces, a weapon they have relied on heavily this season.
With the scores level, Arsenal took control of the game, pressing Fulham deep into their half. Saka and Martin Ødegaard orchestrated much of the attacking play, but clear chances were hard to come by as Fulham’s defense held firm. Bernd Leno, facing his former club, was rarely troubled during the remainder of the first half, apart from a routine save from a Saka effort.
The second half saw more of the same, with Arsenal dominating possession and Fulham playing on the counter. Declan Rice’s deliveries from corners continued to trouble the Fulham defense, and Thomas Partey came agonizingly close to giving Arsenal the lead when his header, unmarked and perfectly placed, went wide of the post.
As the clock ticked down, Arsenal thought they had snatched victory in dramatic fashion. Gabriel Martinelli’s pinpoint cross found Bukayo Saka at the back post, and the England winger calmly nodded the ball into the net. Craven Cottage erupted, but celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened. Replays showed Martinelli had strayed offside in the buildup, and the goal was disallowed. The decision deflated Arsenal, and they couldn’t find another way through before the final whistle.
The draw moves Arsenal into second place, just ahead of Chelsea, but it’s a position that could be short-lived. Chelsea, playing later on Sunday, can reclaim second if they avoid defeat against Tottenham. Meanwhile, Arsenal are now six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand after their match against Everton was postponed due to high winds.
For Arsenal, this result feels like a missed opportunity. They were the better side for large portions of the game but couldn’t turn their dominance into goals. Defensive absences didn’t help, but their wastefulness in front of goal will be a bigger concern for Arteta as the busy festive period looms.
Fulham, on the other hand, will take pride in their performance. They showed resilience, took their chance well through Jimenez, and defended bravely to earn a valuable point. Marco Silva’s side continues to prove they are capable of competing with the Premier League’s elite.
As Arsenal head back to the drawing board, the race at the top of the table remains finely poised. With fixtures coming thick and fast, every point will count. For now, though, Arsenal’s title ambitions have taken a small but significant hit on a frustrating evening in west London.
ALSO READ
