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Their marquee summer season goalscorer signing Viktor Gyokeres is now seven video games with out a purpose for however, when the leaders can defend in addition to this and snatch victory on set-pieces, it issues a lot much less.
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At Craven Cottage it was a primary Premier League purpose of the season for Leandro Trossard that ended Fulham’s unbeaten house document this season and determined a recreation of top of the range. Gyokeres, Arsenal’s £64m man, ran in behind, pinned defenders and received a couple of shot on course, however the purpose by no means got here. One can really feel his frustration, and it’s now 9 video games with out a purpose, if one consists of the 2 latest Sweden World Cup qualifiers.
In the meantime on the again, the Arsenal defence prevented an opponent from having a single try on their purpose for a second successive recreation – the primary time an Arsenal crew have accomplished so since November 2003. They survived a spirited begin from , and a few shaky moments from Gabriel Magalhães, to strike earlier than the hour. One other nook, a faint contact from the identical Brazilian defender at a nook and the prospect introduced itself for Trossard.
No Premier League crew have scored extra objectives from corners this season than Arsenal and this was their 63rd of that selection for the reason that begin of the 2021-22 season – approach out forward of the remaining.
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For Mikel Arteta’s gamers, it’s simply three objectives conceded all season within the Premier League, and even with Fulham’s accidents to the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson this was one other well-executed win in tough circumstances. “Nice,” stated Arteta when requested how he felt about one other set-piece winner, “as a result of we generate so many set-pieces so you must begin from there.
“When the opponents don’t commit gamers ahead we have to exploit [the set-pieces] and we may have accomplished in many various methods. In the long run it was a set-piece and greater than welcome.”
For Gyokeres there have been probabilities and he battled in opposition to Fulham’s Spanish centre-half Jorge Cuenca with out reward. The Swedish striker remains to be snatching at his alternatives – not fairly able to belief his purpose and sometimes over-compensating with a lash on the ball. This was additionally a quieter night for one more new signing, Eberechi Eze, substituted within the second half. Of the three new arrivals this summer season who began the sport, the midfielder Martín Zubimendi was the standout.
Viktor Gyokeres has now gone seven video games with out scoring for Arsenal – Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Arteta’s gamers needed to battle to manage this match, however they did finally get there. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have been excellent and Arsenal’s No 7 and captain did win a second-half penalty, a call that was later reversed on VAR evaluate by referee Anthony Taylor. The right name, though one which was delayed by a defective pitchside display that saved freezing, Marco Silva would later reveal.
It was a vital win for Arteta, with a few of his gamers having returned from worldwide breaks and in depth journey, and there will likely be many others as tough as this one to return.
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Within the posh seats, , sat throughout the aisle from . It is going to be Khan v Kroenke once more tomorrow at Wembley when the Jacksonville Jaguars tackle the Los Angeles Rams within the NFL at Wembley. Khan may have recognised a good Fulham efficiency, however one which simply lacked the sting that Arsenal had within the essential moments.
Fulham performed two banks of 4 and, out of possession, had their No 10 Josh King dropping again into midfield. They have been comfy defending the central areas, with quite a lot of peak in midfield and defence, and Arsenal discovered it laborious to place the ball into the channels the place they could get a clear sight of purpose. For Fulham, Harry Wilson was sharp within the early levels and hunted a fast turnover of possession with some success.
King, simply 18, barely wasted a ball within the first half. His match spotlight was dispossessing Eze and driving ahead with nothing a lot on. Discovering himself out proper, {the teenager} switched again after which instantly turned at purpose to hit a intelligent effort that David Raya needed to flick over the bar. Earlier, King had drifted previous Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel and struck a shot that Rice headed over. {The teenager} seemed very good in possession.
Josh King and Declan Rice jostle for the ball – Reuters/Andrew Boyers
The sport did characteristic the most effective offside objectives of the season within the first half when Trossard crafted a set for Calafiori with a scrumptious single contact. The Italian struck a fantastic thing about a shot first time previous Bernd Leno and was to date offside he barely celebrated.
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Already with out some key figures, Fulham misplaced defender Joachim Andersen to harm on the finish of the primary half. Lacking Sasa Lukic in addition to Muniz and Robinson, it was Tom Cairney who performed in central midfield. He appeared troubled by a shoulder downside from an early stage.
In the direction of the top of the primary half, Arsenal began to get a grip on the sport and dominated some territory. Saka grew to become extra of an issue for Ryan Sessegnon. To maintain Arsenal out, Fulham wanted to be first to all of the defensive set-pieces and ultimately after 58 minutes they weren’t. Gabriel received the primary contact from Saka’s nook and from there it may have been anybody’s ball. It fell properly to Trossard, who simply needed to information it in.
Fulham have been under no circumstances out of it. There have been choices for Silva off the bench and one among them was the 22-year-old Brazilian Kevin – simply Kevin – signed this summer season from Shakhtar Donetsk, a daily provider of fine South Individuals. His deal with on Saka after 69 minutes was courageous, to place it mildly, and Taylor initially gave the penalty. As soon as the footage was viewable, Taylor modified his thoughts. Kevin had brushed the ball first.
A purpose behind, Fulham didn’t create the probabilities that they had within the first half as King after which Wilson ran out of steam. Gyokeres strained for that purpose earlier than his evening was over, however one would as soon as once more be sufficient for Arsenal.
08:03pm
Mikel Arteta talking on Sky
Actually powerful place to return, good facet, we skilled that the previous couple of years.
We did rather a lot to win the sport, we put rather a lot into it, we suffered from some giveaways early and a few transitions. However slowly we received over that to change into extra dominant.
The simplicity in sure actions, we misplaced the ball and conceded some transitions.
We needed to change the construction to facilitate some issues for us to allow us to be extra fluid.
It takes time in opposition to that block the longer it goes 0-0 as a result of they’ve been collectively for therefore a few years.
07:57pm
Marco Silva speaking to BBC Sport
Gabriel jumps so excessive, it’s unimaginable to cease him. It’s very tough to manage. The way in which we tried to dam his run, many of the recreation, we did it very nicely. We have been too open and left the trail for Gabriel. We didn’t need him to run in that half. Any flick may be very tough to manage on the again submit.
07:56pm
Saka says he took some ‘garbage penalties’
07:53pm
Trossard on Arsenal’s nook routines
We’re simply making an attempt as a result of we all know the opponent tries to vary their form for us. The ball was headed to the again submit and I received the tap-in.
We attempt to work laborious on discovering options and we received a clear sheet as nicely. That’s actually necessary and we have to hold going with this.
We’ve got a lot high quality within the crew and in the event that they attempt to double up on gamers, then I have to benefit from that. I attempt each recreation to be necessary for the crew.
We attempt to win each recreation. It’s the toughest league on the planet, however we have to hold pushing. In the event you defend nicely, then you definately solely want one purpose so we have to hold going like that.
Leandro Trossard celebrates his purpose – Getty Photos/Vince Mignot
07:53pm
This younger Fulham fan may have impressed his mates
He was caught on digital camera doing the viral TikTok “six, seven” meme. No, me neither.
07:47pm
Saka talking after the sport
There’s quite a lot of expectation on us we all know that, and we didn’t begin the sport the best way we wished to, however we had the expertise after the previous couple of years and switch it round.
We beat Newcastle the place we’ve struggled, West Ham away and now Fulham away. These are factors we haven’t been selecting up.
07:40pm
These two and Saka have been sufficient for Arsenal in the present day
07:32pm
FT: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal are again on prime of the Premier League desk, though they needed to dig very deep regardless of Fulham’s accidents.
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This will likely be categorised as a typical Arsenal win: resolute defensively and scoring from a set-piece.
They will play higher than that, however on the stability of probabilities and weight of stress they most likely simply edged it.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice celebrates after a purpose by team-mate Leandro Trossard – AP/Kin Cheung
07:31pm
98 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Gabriel picks out Martinelli with a ball excessive however the Brazilian’s contact let him down. Then Saka dances on the ball and slips in Zubimendi and Arsenal win a nook. It appears to be like like Timber and Saka are going to take this one brief.
And the Arsenal pair win a throw. The 99 minutes are virtually up.
07:29pm
97 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Calafiori and Rice somewhat sloppy however no Fulham man was on the fringe of the field to satisfy a intelligent Jimenez pull again. Simply two minutes for Arsenal to carry out.
07:28pm
96 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Traore with a unfastened move straight out for a throw in simply as Fulham have been making an attempt to maintain Arsenal penned in. Former Brentford man Norgaard is about to return on for Arsenal, changing Gyokeres.
07:27pm
94 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal go near wrapping the sport up with the second! Saka with a move into Gyokeres ft, who turned and fired a shot on course and Leno was in the fitting place on the proper time to disclaim Martinelli from the rebound. Fulham defend, and Raya is compelled a good distance from his penalty to clear the lengthy ball for a throw.
07:24pm
92 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Very dilligent defending from Martinelli in a left-back zone in opposition to Iwobi, staying on his ft and displaying him the road. Iwobi runs the ball out for an Arsenal purpose kick.
07:22pm
90 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Fulham have one other nook after Traore’s cross is blocked. It was good soccer initially to interrupt the Arsenal press and discover Iwobi free, however as soon as once more Arsenal stand agency defensively from the set piece.
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There will likely be NINE minutes of stoppage time.
07:21pm
88 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Good interaction from Zubimendi, Saka and Gyokeres on Arsenal’s proper flank, and Arsenal will take a nook which possibly ought to have been a purpose kick. Saka has been their finest participant by a rustic mile. This time, Fulham survive the ball into the field.
07:19pm
87 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Calafiori with an necessary defensive header from the nook. However Fulham can put the ball within the mixer from Sessegnon’s lengthy throw, however it’s staight down Saliba’s throat, after which Saka attracts a foul from Sessegnon.
07:18pm
86 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Higher from Arsenal within the final 5 or 6 minutes, they’re making the ball stick and stringing move collectively till one runs away from Saka for a Fulham purpose kick. It solely takes a second, the house crew need to hold pushing.
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And they’re doing simply that. Kevin wins a nook for them.
07:16pm
84 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Martinelli connects nicely with overhead kick from Timber’s chipped cross and there are appeals for a handball penalty however his arm was by his facet. Additionally a verify from VAR for a penalty for Diop holding Gyokeres, however nothing doing.
07:14pm
82 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Marco Silva is making one other pair of adjustments: Bassey on for Cuenca, with Adama Traore on for Wilson. Traore’s risk is apparent however Bassey may additionally show a hazard to Arsenal from set-pieces.
07:13pm
80 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Missed likelihood for Gyokeres! Arsenal’s centre-forward confirmed nice energy and persistence to win the battle in opposition to Cuenca however after successful the battle within the field he sliced over along with his left foot. Martinelli is now on for Trossard.
07:11pm
79 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal somewhat responsible of enjoying lengthy too early in the mean time, not taking care of the ball. It’s enabling Fulham to construct assaults. Arteta’s crew may do with a bit extra possession, and extra touches for Saka.
07:09pm
77 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Gyokeres wins one other foul, he was first to a misplaced Fulham move and Berge dragged him down. The sport stays fairly attritional. No quarter given from both crew.
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Kevin has proved a nuisance since coming of for Fulham, and he chases a misplaced trigger to win a 50:50 with Saliba after which a foul.
07:07pm
75 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Gabriel with an excellent defensive header to repel Kevin’s cross which was despatched in in direction of Jimenez. Then Gyokeres is fouled and Arsenal can shift up the pitch. I ponder if we’ll see Martinelli from the bench as Fulham push numbers ahead.
07:04pm
72 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
Merino miscues within the field earlier than Trossard scoops a cross into the fingers of Leno. Nonetheless sufficient on this recreation for Fulham who’re pushing ahead for the reason that subs. Arsenal will need one other purpose to really feel comfy.
07:03pm
70 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
As at all times occurs, that VAR name has given the Craven Cottage crowd a elevate. Iwobi tries to slide a move into Sessengon within the field however there may be an excessive amount of on it and Raya can clear from a purpose kick.
07:01pm
NO PENALTY!
Similar to at Newcastle, Arsenal have a penalty overturned. I feel this was nearly the fitting resolution. Kevin received a faint contact on the ball earlier than making contact with Saka.
06:59pm
Taylor goes over to the display…
Often this implies the choice is overturned, though the referee at Palace did stick along with his on-field resolution earlier in the present day.
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VAR are struggling to point out him the fitting replay… which moderately sums the entire thing up.
06:58pm
PENALTY ARSENAL!
Moments after testing Leno with a shot to the close to submit, Saka goes down beneath the problem of Kevin.
However did the Fulham man get a contact on the ball? And did he achieve this earlier than catching Saka.
VAR checking, Taylor could be despatched to the display right here.
Fulham’s Kevin seems to foul Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka – PA/John Walton
06:56pm
63 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
In addition to Smith Rowe, Marco Silva has changed Josh King with Kevin.
I do surprise if Arteta has hooked Eze somewhat early? Granted, he has not had his finest recreation.
06:54pm
60 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 1
That may make Arsenal followers and Mikel Arteta really feel an terrible lot higher.
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Fulham will likely be pissed off, and now their central midfielder Tom Cairney is down holding his shoulder once more.
Emile Smith Rowe, the previous Arsenal participant, goes to interchange him.
Additionally a change from Arsenal: Eze off, changed by Mikel Merino.
06:51pm
GOOOOOAAALL! Arsenal strike from a nook via Trossard
How typically do Arsenal break a recreation open from a set-piece? They’ve accomplished it once more. Saka with the nook from the fitting, flicked on by Gabriel on the close to submit, and Trossard was there on the again submit to knee the ball past Leno. Couldn’t miss from there.
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Arsenal have been a lot sharper within the second half. Feels just like the purpose was the primary time Fulham didn’t get first contact at a defensive set-piece/nook. A flick from Gabriel Magalhaes and it was anybody’s ball. Trossard in the fitting place.
06:50pm
57 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Gyokeres spins Cuenca within the field however then goes down. There was some contact however not adequate for a penalty. Gyokeres tried to remain on his ft however stumbled. Fulham proceed to defend their penalty field very well.
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Then Saka feeds Eze within the field with a cute move who tries to tee up Gyokeres, however Cuenca wins a vital deal with within the field. Arsenal nook.
06:47pm
54 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Saka plucks a excessive ball out of the sky within the Fulham field, however he doesn’t get the nook. Arsenal probing however nonetheless looking for that essential first purpose.
Then Fulham threaten. Arsenal scrambling after Saliba misplaced a 50:50, Timber glanced a vital header over to Iwobi who picked out Wilson for a volley however Calafiori was doing simply sufficient to place him off and the try flies over.
06:44pm
52 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Fulham with their first assault of the half after successful a second ball in midfield, however as soon as once more Wilson’s taking pictures lets him down. He fires nicely over from round 25 yards.
06:42pm
50 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Eze discovering some area, which has been a rarity on this recreation. He picks out Trossard on the again submit who takes an opportunity to regular himself earlier than dragging a left-footed shot vast. All Arsenal possession within the early minutes of the half.
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Then Saka slaloms his approach into the field with an excellent run, and his low cross virtually deflects in off Berge for an personal purpose however Castagne clears off the road!
Arsenal nook which Saka will take. Taken brief, however Castagne will get a foot in in opposition to Saka. The whole lot goes via Arsenal’s captain.
06:40pm
47 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Sessegnon is struggling in opposition to Saka, who skips inside his man to win a foul close to the touchline. Rice goes throughout to the fitting and goes to whip this one into the field.
Fulham clear, after which Timber miscues what seemed a easy move into Saka contained in the field.
06:37pm
We’re again beneath approach!
Arsenal kick off within the second half.
06:36pm
The gamers and managers are again out
It doesn’t appear like both crew have made a change. You surprise whether it is arrange for Mikel Merino to pop up with a purpose from the bench.
06:24pm
HT: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Powerful going for Arsenal as soon as once more at Craven Cottage. Fulham, accounting for his or her accidents, have been very aggressive.
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Arsenal have been gradual out of the blocks, with their build-up play laborious. Additionally they seemed somewhat open, with Fulham entering into three or 4 actually promising positions across the field.
Fulham’s risk subssided because the half went on and Arsenal improved, however the recreation stays within the stability.
Mikel Arteta and Marco Silva stroll off at half time – PA/John Walton
06:22pm
45 minutes+6: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Actually affected person transfer from Arsenal to finish the half, however after the ball was set again to Rice on the fringe of the field, he sweeps a shot vast.
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Mick Jagger within the stands at Craven Cottage! Paint it, Black (and white)
06:20pm
45 minutes+5: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Rice tries to loft a ball in direction of Saka or Gabriel on the again submit however neither fairly learn what he was pondering. Timber then wins a foul from Raul Jimenez.
06:19pm
45 minutes+3: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Fulham go lengthy and win a throw deep in Arsenal territory which supplies their defence a breather. Sessegnon goes to wind up and ship an extended throw into the field.
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Arsenal defend after which counter-attack via Eze and Gyokeres, however Timber ran out of help. Arsenal nook, although.
Fulham stand agency once more and head clear.
06:16pm
45 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
There will likely be six minutes of added time to play. It looks like Arsenal will welcome that added time greater than Fulham. The away crew are having fun with one among their higher spells.
06:15pm
44 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Saka’s affect is rising, skipping past Iwobi and teasing a cross into the field which Cuenca heads behind for one more nook. Proper beneath the nostril of Leno who punches clear. Then Zubimendi kicks the ball into Wilson’s face from point-blank vary and the sport stops once more. This one positively counts as a head harm.
06:12pm
42 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
One other harm concern for Fulham: Andersen is coming off with a muscular downside, changed by Issa Diop. Cairney continues to nurse his shoulder.
06:12pm
39 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal are enhancing, and usually it’s Saka main the cost. One other dribble down the fitting brings a nook, which Saka himself will take.
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Fulham defend on the close to submit after which Rice does nicely to win a clumsy bouncing ball on midway.
Arsenal thought they have been breaking right into a harmful place, however Taylor stops the sport for a head harm to King. His personal man Jimenez flicked him throughout the face along with his hand. Not precisely one which requires a concussion check.
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A second there that basically confirmed Declan Rice’s high quality. Heading again in direction of his personal purpose beneath main stress with three Fulham gamers making an attempt to select his pocket to launch the counter. Rice managed to get it beneath management, discover a team-mate whereas on the bottom, stand up and get the ball again. Arsenal gamers very indignant that Anthony Taylor then stopped play for a head harm to King.
06:08pm
37 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
That was Arsenal’s finest transfer of the sport. Timber with a intelligent move inside for Saka to tackle the run, and he slipped a via ball to Gyokeres in the fitting channel. Highly effective strike along with his proper foot, however at all times going to be tough to beat Leno from there and the goalkeeper palms clear. Then Calafiori sends a volley not too far over the bar.
06:06pm
34 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Tom Cairney is match to proceed for Fulham. A move from Zubimendi which isn’t neither Saka nor Eze moderately sums up Arsenal’s efficiency to date.
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That was somewhat higher… an extended spell of possession contained in the Fulham half ends with a right-footed Calafiori shot which is deflected behind off Andersen for a nook.
Taken brief however Eze’s shot is blocked.
06:01pm
31 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Eze somewhat too simply bypassed for Arsenal in midfield, earlier than King virtually catches out Raya with a mishit cross. The Arsenal goalkeeper was scrambling to tip the ball over the bar however the guests repel the ensuing nook.
A bit of fear right here for Fulham: Cairney is down holding his shoulder.
David Raya of Arsenal pushes the ball over the crossbar – Getty Photos/Alex Pantling
05:59pm
29 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
It’s not one thing you say typically about Arteta’s Arsenal, however they’ve been somewhat simple to play via at instances. Gabriel does nicely to mop up in opposition to King after one other neat Fulham transfer. Timber virtually finds Saka with a chipped move excessive.
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To this point, Fulham greater than matched Arsenal. Couple of Gabriel Magalhaes errors in possession have led to good counters. Harry Wilson sharp and direct on the fitting. Fulham enjoying 4-4-1-1 in possession with Josh King behind Raul Jimenez. The 18-year-old King actually is a really completed footballer. Pretty ft and nice consciousness of the sport unfolding round him. Riccardo Calafiori was very offside for a purpose he struck first time from a beautiful Leandro Trossard set on 16 minutes.
05:57pm
26 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Actually slick soccer once more from Fulham with Iwobi slipping a move past Zubimendi on the fringe of the field however the Fulham vast participant dragged his shot past the close to submit. Three or 4 half-chances for Fulham with out that one massive alternative. Jimenez then wins a foul in opposition to Timber.
05:54pm
23 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal making use of some concerted stress after a Calafiori lengthy throw however it’s all somewhat too intricate across the Fulham field. It has been a tough first quarter of the sport for Arteta’s crew who’ve been gradual out of the blocks.
05:52pm
21 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal having loads of the ball however many of the possession is throughout their again line. They’re discovering it laborious to play via midfield with Jimenez and King shadow-marking Rice and Zubimendi. The away crew haven’t been capable of manipulate it to date.
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Timber then finds Saka in loads of area on the fitting, however after chopping inside his shot is blocked.
05:49pm
18 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal inflicting their very own issues in the mean time; this time it was Saka with a stray move sq. throughout midfield. Josh King lets fly from 25 yards and the ball flicks off Rice’s head and over the bar for a Fulham nook. Handled on the close to submit however Fulham have one other.
Jimenez is then penalised for a excessive foot in opposition to Eze.
05:47pm
16 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal denied one among their objectives of the season by an offside flag! Trossard with a first-time contact inside from the nook of the field which Calafiori swept into the highest nook with a fierce strike. The right resolution.
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Fulham then go on the assault themselves with Sessegnon standing up a harmful cross. Jimenez penalised for a foul.
05:44pm
14 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Gabriel with one other brief move which results in Wilson curling a shot vast of the far submit. Has been a little bit of a sleep begin from Gabriel and a few of his Arsenal team-mates. They’re enjoying at fairly a gradual tempo and Fulham are carrying a risk on the break.
05:42pm
11 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Eze caught in possession when making an attempt to show and dribble via central midfield, however the move ahead in direction of Wilson on the Fulham break was somewhat too heavy. Robust defending from Gabriel to clear his traces.
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However then the Brazilian defender performs a move to Trossard which Wilson cuts out.
Fulham slip a move into Jimenez into the field who shoots throughout purpose, and Raya received a slight contact behind for a nook.
Fulham tee up Cairney for a volley which he caught sweetly, however Zubimendi blocked and saved his arms tucked in.
Promising for the house crew.
Fulham’s Raul Jimenez in motion with Arsenal’s William Saliba – Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Martin Zubimendi blocks – Getty Photos/Ben Stansall
05:39pm
8 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
There was loads of noise because the groups got here out of the tunnel however the environment is sort of sedate now Arsenal are retaining the ball. Gyokeres with a intelligent spin down the facet, discovered by Rice, however no person was there to attach with a scuffed cutback.
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“Cheer up Postecoglou”, (with attendant traces that don’t want repeating) being sung by the away help at Craven Cottage. Topical.
05:37pm
6 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Trossard slices a left-footed cross behind for a Fulham purpose kick. Moments earlier, Marco Silva was sad on the touchline {that a} foul was not given in opposition to Zubimendi. Arsenal simply beginning to management the ball and territory now, there was some good work from Rice with and with out the ball. Saka is fouled by Sessegnon.
05:35pm
4 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Brilliant begin from Fulham who’re discovering some pleasure down their left flank however Saliba mops up nicely within the field earlier than an extended ball in direction of Jimenez skips via to Raya.
Arsenal have seemed early for Gyokeres too on a couple of events, however the ball doesn’t fairly drop for him up in opposition to Cuenca and Leno claims. Fulham taking an opportunity letting these sorts of passes bounce.
05:33pm
2 minutes: Fulham 0 Arsenal 0
Sessegnon with an early foray down the left within the first 30 seconds however Timber made a clear deal with to toe the ball away within the field. A heavy early contact for Gyokeres. Early days, however Fulham look dedicated to enjoying out from the break and making an attempt to interrupt open the Arsenal press. Trossard wins the guests a free-kick on midway.
05:31pm
KICK OFF!
Fulham get the sport began after each groups take the knee. Anthony Taylor in control of this one.
05:27pm
The gamers are within the tunnel
I say tunnel, it’s extra of an alley at Craven Cottage exterior the dressing rooms. Arsenal can go three factors away from Metropolis and 4 away from Liverpool with a win, who play Manchester United tomorrow.
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Greetings from Craven Cottage. Marco Silva with out Rodrigo Muniz, Antonee Robinson and Sasa Lukic. Bukayo Saka captains Arsenal within the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard. Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all additionally out of motion. Groups popping out by the Cottage into absolutely the cauldron of Fortress Fulham. Must be a great one.
05:20pm
Arsenal will likely be sporting their blue away equipment
Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka through the heat up – Reuters/Andrew Boyers
05:07pm
Arteta talking about Arsenal successful one other bogey fixture
Discovering completely different options and Ebs [Eze] is a participant with monumental high quality and expertise in these areas and he’ll give us one thing completely different to Martin.
These are the steps we’ve to make as a crew, be taught classes from the latest previous. We did it at Newcastle, in opposition to West Ham and after two years not successful right here it’s time to do it at Fulham.
05:02pm
What a recreation at Selhurst Park
salvaged a 3-3 draw for Crystal Palace in opposition to Bournemouth, in order issues stand Man Metropolis are prime of the league on objectives scored. Not that Arsenal want to fret in regards to the league desk. They simply have to rack up wins.
04:49pm
Josh Kroenke’s rising affect
Talking at his press convention, Arteta stated: “It’s crucial as a result of we share the imaginative and prescient and particularly their ambition, and the ambition may be very clear.
“We’re right here to win, and to win main trophies and each signal that they’re giving us, each dialog, that’s the primary subject. Stan and Josh [Kroenke] are extremely skilled in sport. They’ve received virtually the whole lot and what we need to do, is to be right here now.”
on how the youthful Kroenke has ascended to change into the general public face of Arsenal’s possession.
04:35pm
A have a look at the crew information
Marco Silva has used a again 5 at instances this season, however he goes with a 4 in the present day. Sessegnon deputises at left-back with Robinson injured, and he may have his fingers full in opposition to Saka. Lengthy-serving participant Cairney is available in for Lukic. Iwobi and Wilson will play from the flanks with King in behind Jimenez. Loads of risk there however is the XI sturdy sufficient defensively?
Except for Saliba changing Mosquera, Arteta has picked the identical crew that did the job at Newcastle. That day, Trossard, Eze and Saka all floated into central positions moderately than staying pinned to the touchline. In opposition to a Fulham crew more likely to sit in a good 4-4-2, it appears the fitting resolution to select gamers who get pleasure from taking the ball in tight areas.
Eberechi Eze arrives with Arsenal at Craven Cottage – Reuters/David Klein
04:18pm
Fulham crew information
04:16pm
Arsenal crew information
Arsenal beginning XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calfiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, White, Martinelli, Norgaard, Waneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman
04:11pm
A theme continues for Arsenal
They received at St James’ Park after failing to win there in every of the final two seasons.
They beat West Ham at house having misplaced that fixture in every of the final two seasons.
And so they have didn’t win at Craven Cottage in every of the final two seasons. Will they clear one other stumbling block at a floor that has proved tough?
Their process is made simpler by Fulham’s accidents: Marco Silva is with out Robinson, Lukic and Muniz and there are different doubts.
Arsenal have some notable absentees too – Odegaard, Havertz and Madueke – however have much more high quality depth to name upon.
Workforce information coming shortly.
Raul Jimenez celebrates scoring in opposition to Arsenal final season – Getty Photos/Justin Tallis
04:06pm
As issues stand…
Arsenal will not be prime of the league once they kick off at Craven Cottage. Bournemouth are 2-0 up at half time at Crystal Palace and a victory would take them to 17 factors. Nonetheless 45 minutes to go, and you may .
03:54pm
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03:54pm
Mikel Arteta backs Viktor Gyokeres to start out scoring once more
By Philip Duncan
Mikel Arteta has instructed Viktor Gyokeres he should be capable to cope with the stress of not scoring for Arsenal following the striker’s alarming six-match streak with out a purpose.
Gyokeres scored 97 instances throughout 102 matches for Sporting, however he heads into Arsenal’s fixture in opposition to Fulham with simply three objectives for his new membership.
The Sweden worldwide additionally failed to search out the again of the web through the latest worldwide break to make it eight video games in all since he final scored. That purpose got here in Arsenal’s 3-0 win in opposition to Nottingham Forest on September 13.
Gyokeres’ different two strikes for Arsenal arrived of their first house match of the season in opposition to Leeds, which means he has scored in simply two of his 14 appearances for membership and nation this season.
And Arteta stated: “I instructed him earlier than the primary assembly, I stated, ‘the 9 that I would like is a 9 that when he doesn’t rating for six or eight video games, he can deal with that. If not, you must go elsewhere as a result of the expectation goes to be there’.
“So, in case you placed on a 9 shirt for Arsenal, you will have to have the ability to say, ‘OK, six video games, if I don’t rating, I’m a unique participant? I begin to act otherwise?’. No, I would like far more of the identical of what he’s doing.
“You see the historical past of the quantity nines. You’re going to have moments like this. He brings a lot to the crew. He creates area and options to quite a lot of the gamers round him. And with the expertise that we’ve within the crew, I’m certain that everyone, him included, will profit from that.”
With Kai Havertz on the sidelines following a knee operation, Gyokeres will lead the road for Arsenal at Fulham.
Nevertheless, injury-hit captain Martin Odegaard is out for a minimum of the following month after he sustained medial collateral ligament harm in his left knee in Arsenal’s win over West Ham previous to the worldwide break.
Arteta continued: “There is no such thing as a particular date for Martin’s return, however he’s evolving nicely and he will likely be again in a couple of weeks.
“He’s in a extremely good place. He can’t afford to be in a unique mindset. He’s the captain. He must drive the usual. He must be the instance. If you don’t have an possibility, you’re a dad, you must take care of your youngsters. You must be there. And that’s his duty within the crew.”
Arsenal have been put in by the bookmakers because the favourites to win the Premier League after benefiting from Liverpool’s two successive defeats to maneuver to the highest of the desk.
Arteta’s facet may lengthen their lead over Liverpool to 4 factors forward of the defending champions’ house match in opposition to Manchester United on Sunday.
Requested whether it is attainable to stay on the summit till the top of the season, and finish Arsenal’s 22-year title wait, Arteta replied: “It’s attainable. We’ll if we proceed to win quite a lot of soccer matches. I’m certain we will likely be there.”