Arsenal have entered a slump. Mikel Arteta’s men could become provisional leaders of the Premier this afternoon if they beat Fulham at Craven Cottage, but London’s oldest professional team gave the surprise, came back from the Gunners’ early goal and took the game. Liverpool are still two points ahead, which could be five if they beat Newcastle at Anfield this Monday.
The match couldn’t have started better for Arteta’s team. After four minutes they went ahead on the scoreboard thanks to a play by Martinelli on the left that ended in a tight shot against the post. Leno avoided the goal with a stretch but Bukayo Saka was there to make it 0-1.
It had taken Arsenal four minutes and three shots to score their first goal when against West Ham at the Emirates, just a few days ago, Arteta’s men were unable to pierce the net with more than 30 shots.
Arsenal’s intense output decreased as the minutes passed and Fulham began to feel comfortable and took control of the midfield around the half-hour mark. So much so that in the 28th minute came the tie in a Cairney center that the Mexican Raúl Jiménez only had to push over the line.
The last quarter of an hour before the break was one of alternating dominance, with Arsenal getting closer to the goal, especially in a shot by Martinelli.
In the second half everything was going to get worse for Arsenal. After an even start in the 58th minute, Bobby Reid took advantage of the rebound in the corner and an error by Gabriel to score the second and turn the score around.
From then on everything was nerves at Arsenal. Saka, alone inside the area, missed a goal with a shot that went high. Arteta made changes, including Gabriel Jesus, but no one had the day for the Gunners. In the midst of harassment, Arsenal were saved from receiving the third because a shot by Andreas Pereira in the 87th minute went off the post. The defeat was consummated for Arsenal, which ends the year fourth ranked behind Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City.
In the other match of the day, Tottenham defeated Bournemouth (3-1). For the Spurs, Pape Sarr, Son and Richarlison scored and for the visiting team Alex Scott.
