Curse broken at Craven Cottage

What felt like an eternity, Arsenal were finally back in action after the international break. The lads returned without any injury concerns other than the ones we already know about, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard could all be back by time the next international break rolls around. We returned to action against a side that seemed to have our number over the last couple of seasons, especially at Craven Cottage. No win on Fulham's turf since early 2023. Mikel Arteta is leading a title charge and a win against Fulham would reclaim top spot from Manchester City and create a four point gap over Liverpool. A win was nothing short of essential.

However, Arsenal began the game with a little bit naivity. The Gunners moved the ball around with their normal tempo, slowly probing the Fulham defence. But, the back line remained resolute and didn't allow Arsenal's attackers a peep. In fact they consistently won the ball in midfield and were able to turn over possession with a positive impact. Inside the first 30 minutes, Fulham were able to get off five shots compared to just the one for Arsenal. Possession still favoured Arteta's men, but they were coming unstuck in the build up. Efforts from Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson were particularly troubling for Arsenal, but neither of them troubled David Raya.

After those first 30 minutes, Arsenal settled into a bit of rhythm. Viktor Gyokeres was found a couple of times in promising positions, but couldn't beat Bernd Leno. Chances for Riccardo Calafiori, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice were the pick of the bunch before half time. It wasn't good from Arsenal, but clearly the momentum had shifted in their favour before half time. More was needed in the 2nd half. However, Fulham were the ones who troubled the Arsenal end first with Wilson firing a couple of chances off target. Fulham couldn't sustain any real pressure and Arsenal's first real chance of the 2nd half was prodded in by Leandro Trossard. A corner from Bukayo Saka was flicked on by Gabriel and landed on the knee of Trossard who simply had to guide it into the open net. 1-0 Arsenal and another set piece goal.

Arsenal surrendered possession to Fulham as they went in search of an equaliser, but it was the Gunners that kept up with the efforts on goal. Fulham provided nothing of note and the Arsenal defence mopped up everything. At the other end, Gyokeres got a couple of shots off along with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Leno was more than capable of keeping any extra efforts out. That was it for the game, Arsenal were very much in control of proceedings after that opening 20/30 minutes that I'm sure Arteta will look at in his post match analysis.

The statistics back up the fact that Arsenal were dominant for a large portion of the game. Arsenal recorded 16 shots with five on target which produced an xG of 1.87. Fulham, on the other hand, generated nine shots with zero on target and that created an xG of 0.44. Arsenal also created three big chances compared to zero from the Cottagers.

Player ratings:

Raya - 6 - Not much to report on for Raya. He dealt with an awkward cross/shot that looked like it was going to drop in, but didn't actually have a save to make in the end from an intended shot on target.

Timber - 8 - Such a consistent performer and yet again he proves why he's one of the top players in the world in his position. Tough tackling, all action defender that often popped up in the final third.

Saliba - 7 - Didn't put a foot wrong all game. He was first to most duels and was able to subdue Raul Jimenez effectively.

Gabriel - 8 - While he was shaky at the start, giving the ball away a couple of times, he gathered himself and put in a monumental shift. He even grabbed an assist for the goal. It's understated how important he is at both ends of the pitch.

Calafiori - 7 - Our maverick left back almost scored the best goal we'd score all month, but was denied by the offside flag. That sums him up to be honest. However, it's his defensive contributions that I'm most impressed with.

Zubimendi - 7 - Always a class act and really came alive in the 2nd half, but I felt like he was little swallowed up by the Fulham midfield in the first. However, he's the perfect anchor for our team and he really gives our team the protection required.

Rice - 7 - Not at his best in this one, but still does his job effectively. Part of the reason we're always so good defensively.

Eze - 7 - Another player not at his best, but he's still finding his feet in a new side so you can understand the hesitation to try things out of the ordinary. He was outnumbered in his zone of action and struggled to really link everything together, but he did improve in the 2nd half until he was unfortunately hooked midway through.

Trossard - 8 - I wasn't actually impressed with his performance overall, but that singular goal was enough to boost his rating to an 8. That goal was extremely important for us and that can't be taken away.

Saka - 9 (MOTM) - If he grabbed a goal or an assist then I would say that was a 10/10 performance. Having said that, that performance was about as perfect as it could be without getting a goal. He was constantly getting at his opponent, beating him and delivering clever crosses. Inside or outside it didn't matter, he was creating chances all game and deserved an assist. It appears as though he's got the spring in his step again.

Gyokeres - 7 - Once this guy finds his range, I genuinely think the title will be ours. If we can win games without him scoring then imagine what we could do if he starts scoring again. This game was a glimpse of what he can do with his back to the goal and playing in between the defenders. Consistent runs in behind the defence that were found a couple of times. A couple of rash shots when calm was required, but he's banging on the door while we win games.

Substitutes:

Merino - 6 - I didn't think he was particularly who I would've picked for that sub, I think Ethan Nwaneri would've been ideal. He felt a little slow in transition, especially as space opened up in Fulham's defence. Despite picking up good positions, his touch was a little loose and rather stunted our progress whenever we were in an attacking move.

Martinelli - 6 - Had a couple of decent moments, but overall it wasn't his most effective performance. Should've had a goal, but couldn't beat Leno from close range.

Norgaard - N/A -

That was it for this fixture. A solid performance that never really looked like Fulham would win, especially when we scored. A lot has been said about how 'boring' our style of play is and maybe right now it is, but I think that's more to do with the inevitability of our games. We're so solid defensively that when we score it doesn't seem like any drama will occur after. Teams sit in against us because they know that's what we reduce them to, so it looks boring. I think we actually play with a lot more freedom this season and have just been unlucky with our chances in open play situations. At the end of the day, a win is a win and if we won from a corner then that's fine. I'd rather win scoring from corners than not win games at all.

Up next for Arsenal is a home game against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and then we'll be at home again next weekend against Crystal Palace. Here's the line up I'd want for the Madrid game.

As much as I want rotation to protect certain players, Atletico Madrid are a tough opponent and Arteta will use his best men available to him. The only change that could occur is Hincapie for Calafiori. But, hopefully we can go a couple up and rotate later on.

On to the next one!