Arsenal extended their winning streak and returned to the top of the Premier League table after a narrow but vital 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. It wasn’t the most convincing display from Mikel Arteta’s men, but a Leandro Trossard strike early in the second half proved enough to separate both sides in a tense London derby.
Despite the win, the match left Arsenal fans divided some celebrating the team’s tenancity and defensive solidity, others frustrated at another underwhelming performance that relied on grit over fluid football. Fulham, on the other hand, felt hard done by with key refereeing decisions and missed chances that could have changed the game’s outcome.
Arsenal Fans Split Over Performance
0x_stvn wrote, celebrating the win but acknowledging the team’s uneven finishing;
That penalty should have stood, if it were against us, the ref would have blown the whistle. Gyökeres still needs to do much better, he had some chances and wasted it. Timber was solid once again. Trossard MOTM for me. Would have been Saka though, he was exceptional. Top of the league. Let’s keep the momentum boys COYG.
thegunnersden echoed;
Another unconvincing performance, not gonna complain too much since we won but we can’t keep putting in these underwhelming performances and somehow expect to win the league. There needs to be a reality check within the squad.
realbarcaman highlighted Arsenal’s growing threat from set pieces. he noted;
Arsenal have scored 37 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, at least 16 more than any other side.
After the game, Arsenal took to its official X handle to share and exclusive video of their players thanking the fans for their strong support that saw them through the game. They posted;
Praise for Arsenal’s Grit and Defensive Solidity
oye440 said;
A hard-fought win for us. Fulham made it tough, especially in the first half, but Arsenal found their breakthrough through Leandro Trossard’s goal after the break. Fulham pushed late on, but Saliba and Gabriel stood firm to secure a crucial clean sheet and three points. Not Arsenal’s best performance, but a gritty and important away win to keep their momentum going.
off the crossbar wrote, echoing the belief that Arsenal’s defensive stability could be key to their title charge;
Arsenal just don’t concede. Name another squad in the Premier League that has their strength in depth, and they’ve got Madueke to come back, they’ve got Havertz to come back. This is their year.
Waleed added, singling out the Belgian for his decisive display;
Been saying for years, Trossard if he had pace is the BEST LW in the league, so intelligent and complete man.
Arsenal star winger Bukayo Saka has been influential for the gunners since returning from injury, the Englishman in an interview reported by Earlier by Softfootball stated that he understands that he has to be responsible for leading team, something the 24 year old player showed today which earned him the man of the match award which was confirmed by Arsenal in a post via their official X handle, see post below:
Frustration Boils Over Among Fulham Supporters
Fulham FC Ghana lammented;
Marco should’ve taken the risk earlier with the subs when we were creating all those chances. Why always wait until we’re behind?! And to top it off, looks like we’ve brought back more injuries from the internationals.
community hunter said, directing frustration at the club’s management;
We are sadly lacking in strikers. Raul is probably in his last season due to age, but he is still better than Muniz. Our bigger problems lay on the doorstep of Tony Khan. He has no interest in #ffc, his last day of the transfer window for new players doesn’t work.
After the game , Fulham via its official X handle thanked the fans for the strong backing and support despite the loss against Arsenal, they posted;
sinister ruin wrote;
Sickening lack of desire to actually win the game, players sauntering around 20 yards off the play. Infuriating, lacklustre and we continue to slide down the table. Injuries, bad luck… ok, but show some passion ffs.
maverick boyy added, calling for tactical adjustments;
Marco needs to deploy ESR back to starting lineup. Josh is not giving 100% again.
After the game , Fulham boss Marco Silva via the team official X handle talked to the press and fans about how the team held their own against the league leaders, they posted:
Arsenal’s narrow victory puts them back atop the Premier League table, maintaining their unbeaten run as the title race intensifies. However, performances like this suggest Arteta’s side still have gears to find if they’re to stay ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool. Fulham, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as mounting injuries and a dip in form continue to threaten their mid-table stability.
