Fulham 1-1 Arsenal: William Saliba scores from another Gunners corner but Mikel Arteta's side held in title race blow
Arsenal ended up with a 1-1 draw against Fulham, even though they managed to score from another corner kick. This result meant that the Gunners missed the opportunity to reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just four points.
Once again, just four days later, Arsenal struck from a set-piece shortly after the break. William Saliba redirected Kai Havertz's header, which came from a corner taken by Declan Rice, bringing the score to 1-1. This marked the Gunners' 23rd goal from a corner since the beginning of last season.
The Gunners experienced frustration during their match at Craven Cottage, where they controlled the game and limited Fulham's chances. The only notable moment for Fulham came when Raul Jimenez scored just 11 minutes in, slipping away from Jakub Kiwior's defense and firing a shot past David Raya.
For easier access to the video player, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Saliba's goal was validated after a lengthy VAR review to check for offside. However, Arsenal faced disappointment just before stoppage time when Bukayo Saka's late strike was disallowed due to an earlier offside by Gabriel Martinelli.
"At the end of the match, Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp noted that Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, must have been feeling really anxious during the tense final moments, especially with such a crucial VAR decision hanging in the balance."
"It was truly amazing, but Martinelli really needed to stay onside."
"What an incredible weekend for Liverpool! With Manchester City and Arsenal both stumbling, they've managed to place themselves in an even stronger position."
For better access to the video player, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
Arsenal had numerous opportunities to add to their single goal at Craven Cottage, particularly from corner kicks. Saliba missed a great chance when he headed the ball wide from their first corner, and Thomas Partey also shot wide after another corner taken by Rice.
For a better video viewing experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
The Gunners believed they had secured the victory when Saka scored from Martinelli's cross. However, VAR intervened and ruled that Martinelli had moved too soon during the play.
"He's offside, but in the context of football, that's a serious mistake on Martinelli's part," Paul Merson states. "You can't be caught offside like that. You should be aware of your position relative to the defenders."
For a better video playback experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.
"He's incredibly fast and full of energy, not the type to push the limits or take shortcuts. I wouldn't be surprised if the manager has had a word with him in the locker room, as he seems to be aware of his own actions."
You could tell from his expression afterwards that he understood the rules. When you're considering that line, the most important thing is to avoid being offside. It's really just that straightforward.
The recent tie, along with the postponement of the Merseyside derby because of Storm Darragh, has allowed Arsenal to reduce Liverpool's lead at the top to just four points. However, Mikel Arteta's team will likely view this as a chance that slipped away.
Fulham: Leno scored a 7; Tete received a 6, Diop earned a 7, Bassey also got a 7, and Robinson stood out with an 8; Berge was rated 6, while Lukic also received a 6; Adama scored a 5, Smith Rowe was given a 5, and Iwobi got a 6; Jimenez rounded it off with a rating of 7.
Substitutes utilized: Pereira (6), Wilson (6), Muniz (not applicable), Cuenca (not applicable)
Arsenal Player Ratings: Raya (6); Partey (5), Saliba (7), Kiwior (6), Timber (6); Jorginho (6), Rice (8), Odegaard (6); Saka (6), Havertz (6), Trossard (5)
Substitutes: Martinelli (6), Merino (6), Jesus (5), Nwaneri (6)
Match MVP: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
