Arsenal took another huge blow to their title ambitions as the Gunners lost 1-2 away to Fulham in the last hours of 2023. Now they are two points away from league leader Liverpool, who also has a game in hand.
The Gunners kicked it off well and it looked like they will have easy three points at Craven Cottage, as they took the lead in the 5th minute. Gabriel Martinelli received the ball just behind the center and made a run down the left side. Evading the home defenders, he entered the penalty area and took a shot with his right foot. Although goalkeeper Bernd Leno deflected his shot, the rebound from the lurking Bukayo Saka found the back of the hosts’ net for 0:1.
The good play from the home side was capitalized just before the half-hour mark. Arsenal’s defense was caught off guard by a skillful cross from the left by Tom Cairney, and Raul Jimenez headed the ball into the far post for the equalizer.
The second half began with a change in Arsenal’s lineup – Takahiro Tomiyasu replaced the unconvincing Jakub Kivior. However, this did not bring the desired improvement in the game, and in the 59th minute, the hosts completed the comeback. A corner kick created tension in the penalty area, and after the guests failed to clear the ball, it reached Bobby Reid, who from close range placed it behind David Raya – 2:1.
FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal.
That’s 3 LOSSES and 1 DRAW in the last 5 Premier League games for Arteta’s team. They drop down to 4th with Manchester City & Liverpool still having a game in hand as well! pic.twitter.com/NDcqw5zvF5
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) December 31, 2023
Now Arsenal drop down to fourth place with 40 points behind Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool.