Premier League: Fulham dent Arsenal's title bid
Fulham 2 - 1 Arsenal
Arsenal missed an opportunity to claim the top spot in the Premier League on New Year's Day, experiencing a disappointing loss against Fulham.
The Gunners took the lead early on, with Bukayo Saka scoring within the first five minutes. However, Raul Jimenez, returning from suspension, equalised, and Bobby Decordova-Reid secured the victory for Fulham in the 60th minute.
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How the game unfolded from start to finish
Arsenal's promising start saw them take the lead in the fifth minute through a swift break. Gabriel Martinelli's shot from the left was parried by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, and Saka extended his right leg to loop the ball into the net from six yards.
Despite Arsenal's early success, Fulham responded effectively and equalised in the 29th minute. Willian, another former Arsenal player now with Fulham, provided a low cross from the left, which Jimenez swept into the net.
Fulham secured a well-deserved victory from a corner, with Decordova-Reid poking the ball past David Raya amid a chaotic sequence in the box. This defeat marked Arsenal's second consecutive loss, following their 2-0 home defeat against West Ham on Thursday.
What next for Arsenal?
Are we in a title race… or a top four race? 😳 #AFC #Arsenal #FULARS #FanCams pic.twitter.com/3uZNmUOlAi
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) December 31, 2023
This result and performance mark a disappointing end to the Christmas period for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, as they've not managed a win in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time this season.
In the past eight days, they've only secured a single point and could end up five points behind Liverpool if the Reds manage a win against Newcastle.
Considering Arsenal were leading at Christmas, following a draw at Anfield on 23rd December, this is a concerning downturn for Arteta to tackle promptly.
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He did shake things up from the West Ham defeat, starting Eddie Nketiah upfront instead of Gabriel Jesus on the bench. Although Nketiah showed spirit, he couldn't significantly influence the game, highlighting Arsenal's ongoing struggle for sharpness in attack and fuelling speculation that Arteta might need to sign another striker in January.
Saka's goal in this match brings him to the top of Arsenal's scoring chart in the league with six goals.
Jimenez's return boosts Fulham
Tribute to Marco Silva and his Fulham coaching team that they have put Raul Jimenez back together. Looks his old self after 2/3 years of lost confidence caused by fractured skull.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) December 31, 2023
Coming into this match just six points clear of relegation, Fulham were delighted to have Jimenez back, along with Willian recovering from a hamstring injury.
Willian, who left Arsenal in 2021 after a challenging year, missed Fulham's last three league games—all losses without a goal. Jimenez was serving a suspension for a high tackle in the 3-0 loss at Newcastle. Both players undoubtedly enhance Fulham's attacking options.
This win stops Fulham from enduring four straight league losses without scoring, a situation they haven't faced since 1971. It also underscores their potential as they aim to move up the table.
Fulham are still seven points behind their tally after 20 games last season. However, with Jimenez back in form, Silva's concerns are likely eased.
The margin of victory could have been greater had Raya not impressively saved Cairney's shot in the second half, while Andreas Pereira hit the bar with a late free-kick.
