Arsenal missed the opportunity to cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the table with a draw at Fulham
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Mikel Arteta shows dejection after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024
Arsenal missed their chance to cut Liverpool's lead to four points with a 1-1 draw at Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Gunners were hoping to take advantage after the Reds' clash with Everton at Goodison Park was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
But an early goal from Raul Jimenez put Mikel Arteta's side under pressure and despite an equaliser from William Saliba in the second half from a corner kick, Arsenal would have to settle for a point after Bukayo Saka's late goal was ruled out for an offside against Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson admitted that moment was a "nightmare" and it "wasn't a good result" for Arteta's side, who had cut Liverpool's lead from nine to seven points after Arne Slot's men had drawn 3-3 at Newcastle on Wednesday evening when they beat Manchester United.
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It means that Liverpool are now six points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand. Slot's side return to action at Anfield next week against Fulham.
And on the two VAR decisions, one that saw Saliba's goal given and the other that chalked off Saka's late strike, the Premier League released two statements via their match centre on X.
The first one read: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position."
While the second stated: "Saka’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."
It was another VAR call that will devastate Arsenal, but Liverpool will take heart after both the Gunners and Manchester City drew this weekend. Chelsea face Tottenham with the chance to cut the gap on the Reds.