Fulham played an exciting draw against Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
In all.: Exciting game: The fans at C&C witnessed an epic Premier League fixture between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on December 8, 2024, in which the game finished 1-1. Fulham put up a great fight; however, for Arsenal, it was particularly frustrating not to grab a victory and build momentum as they chase the title. Raul Jimenez of Fulham opened the scoring, but the goal was canceled out by William Saliba on the scoresheet for Arsenal.
It was the Arsenal side who got on the ball most, toiled all evening, and had all the chances, but must lament the harshness of a controversial VAR decision which ruled out Bukayo Saka’s late winner.
1. Underdog strikes first: Raul Jimenez shocked the Gooners with a goal very much thanks to an Arsenal defensive slip.
2. Arsenal pressing: Following Fulham’s goal, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli upped the tempo, shooting a few, but Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno stood tall against his former club.
3. Saliba saves Arsenal: William Saliba equalized with a left-footed volley from a Martin Ødegaard corner.
4. A disallowed goal: What some Gooners thought was an Arsenal winner was ruled out by VAR after Bukayo Saka netted from within the area.
Player Ratings:
– Raul Jimenez (Fulham): Always a threat, scored a vital opening goal.
– William Saliba (Arsenal): Touched-it-hit. Some would call him a savior after his momentous equalizer.
– Bernd Leno (Fulham): Saved one shot from a near-post angle and denier of an attempt on goal from his old club side.
– Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Again, saw a significant chance for goal, very much disappointed with a late disallowed goal.
Tactical Insights
• Fulham’s(Discipline-in)Defense: Marco Silva’s side looked remarkably organized and disciplined in defense, distorting another fluid Arsenal attack.
• Arsenal’s Set-Piece Danger: Saliba’s goal showed how the Gunners are improving in attacking set pieces, one of the keys for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The draw at 1-1 demonstrated the Fulham team can stand toe to toe with established elite sides; and that Arsenal were wasting opportunities in punishing their superiority. Arsenal would slip a further distance from the leaders Liverpool in their task of taking the title, whereas Fulham achieved a precious point that could help propel them further on the table. Both teams must really rev up their engines to be in contention for the season’s aspirations.