Arsenal Edge Fulham to Sustain Title Charge: A 1-0 Grind That Proved Worth the Wait

Match Report

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a stubborn 1-0 victory away to Fulham on Saturday, as the eighth round of games unfolded. Leandro Trossard's 58th-minute strike proved decisive, lifting Arsenal to 19 points while Fulham remained on eight in mid-table.

In a match that rarely burst into life, Arsenal found the breakthrough when Trossard tucked home a loose ball from close range after a sequence of smart buildup. The goal, at 58 minutes, sent the away end into a small celebration and left Fulham chasing an equaliser that never came as the visitors clung to their advantage.

Fulham, coached by Marco Silva, initially pushed with early intensity, testing Arsenal's single-goal lead with forays down both flanks. Their man in goal, Bernd Leno, was rarely breached, while a number of half-chances fizzled wide or were covered by the vigilant Gunners defense. Arsenal, meanwhile, kept their shape, relying on the pace and pressure of their attacking trio to threaten on the break.

Arteta responded with changes of his own, keeping Raya in goal and reshaping the defense, while the forward line remained built around Saka, Trossard and Martinelli. The midfield was tasked with controlling tempo and feeding the attackers, a plan designed to keep Fulham under pressure after the break.

The second half era saw Arsenal extend their menace, coming close through a powerful strike from outside the area that narrowly bent wide. Fulham answered with a rapid counter that produced a teasing cross and a near-equaliser, only for Leno and the defensive line to keep their composure. Arsenal's usual reliance on late set-pieces and wide play continued to threaten, but the hosts repelled several balls into the danger area.

Then a key moment arrived when a 65th-minute foul on Saka by a substitute sparked a penalty call. VAR requested a review, and on the monitor the official determined that contact had touched the ball before Saka’s foot, so the spot-kick was overturned. The tension persisted as both sides pressed for a breakthrough, but Fulham could not find a route to goal and Arsenal held firm to secure the win.

Arsenal did not convert a late chance either, as a swerving effort from the edge of the box was saved, and a follow-up from Martinelli narrowly missed the far post. Stats highlighted the evening: Arsenal became the first Premier League team to have 10 different scorers this season, with Trossard's goal joining the list. Gabriel Magalhaes joined the 20-goal contributions club for Arsenal since arriving in 2020-21.