On a sunny afternoon in N5, Arsenal aimed to achieve something they hadn’t done since the 2004/2005 season – win their opening four games of a Premier League season.
And they did it – but for a long time in the game it looked like they wouldn’t. As Mikel Arteta’s side had to come from behind and score a late winner to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham at Emirates stadium. Arsenal were forced to make changes to their starting XI for the first time this season with Kieran Tierney and Mohammed Elneny coming in for the injured Zinchenko and Partey – although it was later confirmed that these injures aren’t particularly worrying and mainly just precautions. The visitors frustrated the Gunners in the first half with the only real chance for Arsenal coming in the form of Bukayo Saka who’s effort was well saved by former Gunner Bernd Leno after the winger raced through on goal after some impressive build-up play from his side.
Arsenal continued to push for the opener following the interval with Gabriel Jesus going close. However, ten minutes into the second half disaster struck as Gabriel took too long with the ball at his feet attempting to play out, and the defender was punished by Mitrovic who gave the away side an unlikely lead. But just as it looked like Arsenal were about to drop points, the captain came up with the equaliser just when they needed him as Martin Odegaard struck with the help of a deflection to lift the roof off the stadium. The Norwegian had been excellent and his third goal in two games further strengthened his case for a MOTM award. Fulham weren’t going to settle down and let Arsenal come at them though, and minutes after grabbing the deserved equliser they almost fell behind again as Mitrovic was left with a free header which was well saved by Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White did brilliantly to block the rebound. As Arsenal relentlessly pushed for a winner, Mikel Arteta turned to Eddie Nkeitah to try and make the much-needed difference and the young forward impressed in his cameo as he brought more energy into the game as he looks to break into the starting XI. With the clock ticking over 85 minutes and time running out Arsenal needed so0mething and quickly, and they got it in the form of the man who was at fault for the opener – Gabriel – who after a mistake by Leno pounced and after a VAR check, gave Arsenal a precious late lead.
Mikel Arteta’s side held on too claim a big three points, making it twelve points from twelve. Keeping them top of the table ahead of a big week which sees them play Aston Villa at home and Manchester United away.
Player Ratings:
Ramsdale: 8
White: 8
Saliba: 8
Gabriel: 7
Tierney: 6
Elneny: 6
Xhaka: 8
Odegaard 8.5
Saka: 6
Jesus: 7
Martinelli: 6.5