Arsenal’s three-game Premier League winning streak came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage. The result left the Gunners frustrated, as they dominated large parts of the game but could not find the decisive goal to secure all three points. Despite the setback, Arsenal climbed to second in the Premier League table, albeit having played a game more than their title rivals.
First Half: Fulham Take the Lead
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is challenged by Calvin Bassey of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The match started with Arsenal asserting their dominance in possession, but Fulham’s well-organized defense kept the visitors at bay. Fulham struck first, with a clinical finish from Andreas Pereira in the 25th minute. The goal came from a well-executed counterattack, catching Arsenal off-guard and giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Despite Arsenal’s relentless attempts to find an equalizer, Fulham’s defense stood firm, heading into the break with the narrow advantage. It was a half where Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge in the final third was evident, with their 0.93 expected goals (xG) reflecting missed opportunities.
Second Half: Arsenal Fight Back
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta’s side emerged with renewed determination in the second half, and their efforts paid off just seven minutes after the restart. William Saliba leveled the score with a close-range finish from a well-worked corner routine, much to the delight of the traveling fans.
From that point, Arsenal dominated proceedings, pinning Fulham deep into their half. The Gunners created a flurry of chances, with Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice all going close. Arsenal’s relentless attacking play generated a staggering 1.93 xG, highlighting their dominance in the attacking third.
VAR Denies Saka Late Winner
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring a goal, which was later ruled out for offside, following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka thought he had snatched a late winner for Arsenal in the 88th minute when he headed in Gabriel Martinelli’s pinpoint cross at the far post. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR review revealed an offside in the build-up. The decision was met with frustration from Arsenal players and fans alike, as it consigned the Gunners to a single point instead of a hard-fought victory.
Fulham’s Resilience in London Derbies
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is challenged by Alex Iwobi of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Fulham extended their unbeaten run in London derbies to nine games (W4 D5), their longest streak since September 2001. The Cottagers displayed defensive resilience and organization, particularly in the closing stages, to secure a valuable point against one of the league’s top sides.
Arsenal’s Struggles Against Fulham
This draw extended Arsenal’s winless run against Fulham in the Premier League to three games (D2 L1). It’s their longest streak without a win against the Cottagers since 2012. Fulham has been a tough nut to crack for the Gunners, being the only Premier League team Arsenal has failed to defeat since the start of last season.
Away Day Concerns for Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s away form continues to be a concern. Despite a strong start to the year, where they won 10 of their first 11 away league games in 2024, the Gunners have struggled recently, winning just one of their last six away matches (D3 L2). The inability to overturn halftime deficits on the road has also been a recurring issue, with Arteta’s side managing only one comeback win in 24 such games under his tenure.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Following this frustrating draw, Arsenal sits third in the Premier League table with 29 points from 15 games, six points behind leaders Liverpool. Their attention now shifts to the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, December 11. Arteta will hope his team can bounce back and secure a vital victory in Europe as they continue to juggle domestic and continental ambitions.
Key Takeaways
Arsenal dominated the second half but lacked the clinical edge to secure all three points.
Fulham’s defensive resilience and organization earned them a hard-fought draw.
VAR played a decisive role in ruling out Saka’s late winner, adding to the Gunners’ frustration.
Arsenal’s away form and struggles against Fulham highlight areas for improvement.
With the season reaching a critical phase, Arsenal will need to address these issues quickly to keep their title hopes alive and make a mark in Europe. The draw at Craven Cottage serves as both a reminder of their attacking potential and the challenges they must overcome to achieve their lofty ambitions.