London Derby Draw For Arsenal Against Fulham, Setback To Title Race

 

Arsenal were held to a thrilling 1-1 draw by Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners coming from behind to level but missing out on a late winner. The draw extends Arsenal's unbeaten run, but Mikel Arteta's side drop two points in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

Fulham were up to the task against the top-flight side, Arsenal and even took the lead earlier before the visting side found a set piece to regain level terms. Raul Jimenez delightfully latched onto a through pass from Kenny Tete and struck the ball down bottom right to beat David Raya to the goal.

As the sides returned from the halftime, Arsenal deployed their usual set piece arrangements and as Declan Rice's delivery arrived in the box from the corner, Kai Havertz's header rightly land on Willian Saliba's for a tap home from close range. Arsenal thought they had snatched a late winner when Bukayo Saka headed home Gabriel Martinelli's cross, but the Brazilian was adjudged to be offside in the build-up.

Arsenal fairly dominated the game but not much attempts at the goal was seen. David Raya was solid in goal for the hosts, making good stops at his post to keep the scores level. 

Fulham's turf continues to be a tough place for Arsenal to get a win as they have remained winless in their last three derbies at Craven Cottage. Arsenal remain in third behind Chelsea in the top four of the table. 

Overview

Today's London derby was a chance for Arsenal to narrow the gap between them and table leaders, Liverpool but Fulham did not give in to their counterparts to claim the maximum points. Bukayo Saka nearly settled the game for the Gunners but Martinez was caught offside in the build up to the winger's goal. 

Thomas Partey was decent at right-back, but Arsenal missed his presence in midfield. Saka was a threat throughout, going close in the first half and scoring the disallowed goal in the second. Declan Rice was also impressive, providing a constant threat from set pieces.

Fulham were well composed through the game even when Arsenal made the comeback to level terms. Arsenal's trio attacking forward, Saka, Harvertz and Trossard were kept in check by the Fulham. Nonetheless, set pieces remained one strong instrument to pull off goals for the Gunners and Saliba's was spot on.