Another game, another 1–0 to the Arsenal for the history books.
A relatively stress free evening in West London, and for the second match running, the opposition failed to register a shot on target.
Fulham looked the more comfortable in the opening exchanges. Arsenal were a little loose in possession, sloppy passes, a couple of risky cross field balls cut out, and Fulham countering with intent. Gabriel, perhaps feeling the effects of international duty, was shaky early on, losing the ball a few times but recovering well to deliver another solid overall performance.
Once the game settled, the pattern was clear, Fulham sitting deep in a low block, inviting Arsenal to attack down the flanks. Saka, as ever, was the main outlet causing no end of problems to Sessegnon and even Iwobi at times, where he chops back and you know it’s coming but just can’t stop it. A few floated crosses and half chances here or there, Gyokeres feeding of a few half chances.
Arsenal thought they’d broken the deadlock in the 15th minute. A switch of play found Trossard, who laid it off first time to the ever energetic Calafiori on the overlap. His sweeping finish into the top corner was sublime but ruled out for offside. Still, it was another reminder of the left back’s knack for goals, reminiscent of his strike at the Etihad last season.
It was a half of few chances, but Arsenal remained in control. Fulham had a couple of corners, but in open play, the Gunners’ defence looked assured. The best Fulham managed was a dragged shot wide from Harry Wilson. Arsenal’s best chance aside from Calafiori’s disallowed goal fell to Gyokeres after a slick build up. Timber found Saka centrally, who slipped Gyokeres in behind. Forced slightly wide, he fired across goal, but Leno saved well.
The second half picked up where the first left off, Arsenal pressing, Fulham in their low block. An early scramble saw Castagne clear off the line to prevent an own goal, after Saka danced past Sessegnon on the byline and drove into the box.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute cue the “olé olé” chants for both the set piece and the scorer here. A floated delivery from Saka, Gabriel bulldozing past two markers to nod it to the back post, and Trossard on hand to knee it home.
From there, Arsenal found more joy. Five minutes later, Trossard linked up with Saka, who had drifted to the left. He drove into the box and fired a shot at Leno, who once again kept the scoreline respectable. Without the ex Arsenal keeper, it could’ve looked far more comfortable. In truth, it already was as Raya wasn’t called into action at all in the second half.
There might’ve been a chance to double the lead from the spot in the 65th minute. Saka drove into the box and was tackled by Fulham sub Kevin, right on the edge. At full speed, it looked a clear foul. VAR took its sweet time, technical issues, endless replays, and eventually they found a touch on the ball. What they didn’t factor in was the contact on Saka’s knee before that touch. But I’m sure Howard Webb will clear it all up on his next mic’d-up waffle session with Michael Owen.
Arsenal stood firm defensively, clearing their lines when needed. Saka remained a constant threat, gliding past Fulham players with ease. His ability to roll defenders close control, upper body strength, and that same predictable yet unstoppable move was on full display. With the captain’s armband on, he led by example. Man of the match, no question.
A late chance saw Gyokeres receive the ball with his back to goal, roll Diop, and fire a snap shot. Leno saved again, the rebound falling to Martinelli, who stretched to get a touch and saved once more.
A solid, assured away performance at a ground that hasn’t been kind to Arsenal in recent years. That’s 8 points gained from fixtures we dropped last season. The foundation? A reliable defence that’s only conceded three goals all campaign so far in the league. But it’s not just Raya and the back line, it’s the whole team’s desire to recover shape when possession is lost. Rice is a prime example, calm, intelligent, and always slotting in when needed. Those recovery runs are drilled into this side, and it shows. The defensive solidity giving this team the platform to find a way to win this season.
Next up, Atlético in midweek, a fascinating Champions League tie, though maybe not one for the neutrals. Two tactically astute sides, defensively solid, with flashes of flair up top. Then it’s Palace at home next Sunday.
Until the next one have a great week.
The View From Block 107 