Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Gunners show steely side | OneFootball

Gunners had momentarily lost top spot to Manchester City

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Leandro Trossard scored the only goal of the game in the 58th minute, when he tapped home from a corner.

The win was a big one for the Gunners and they are now three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the League.

Liverpool can close the gap on Sunday when they host Manchester United, but Arsenal ensured the pressure is on them to do so.

Arsenal grind it out

Arsenal finished this game with Mikel Merino up front and Christian Norgaard, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield.

After Trossard put the Gunners ahead just before the hour mark, they locked this game down to ensure they would be leaving Craven Cottage with all three points.

Mikel Arteta’s side had fail to win on their last two trips, here, but there was no chance of that happening this time.

This will have been a satisfying win for Arteta, albeit not in a conventional way.

Arsenal, however, dug deep and found a way to win, which is a quality they will need if they are going to get over the line in this title race.

Winning when you are not at your best is what champions do.

Match winner: Leandro Trossard

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Defensive steel on show

Arsenal have the ability to close out a game in this manner because of their defensive prowess.

For the eighth time this season, in just 11 matches, they once again kept a clean sheet and Fulham failed to muster a shot on target, too.

It is the first time Arsenal haven’t faced a shot on target in consecutive Premier League games since the famous Invincibles side of the 2003-04 season.

This side built by Arteta are remarkably strong at the back and proof of that is that Erling Haaland is the only player to have scored from open play against them this season.

Fulham had their moments in this game, mainly through Harry Wilson in the first 30 minutes, but they were always kept at arm length’s.

Like a heavyweight boxer controlling a fight, Arsenal were able to keep them at bay as they secured a valuable win.

Orchestrator: Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Trossard is Arsenal’s hero

Few players have more of a knack for finding the net than Trossard.

The Belgian now has 22 Premier League goals for Arsenal, the same number as Kai Havertz, and he won’t have scored an easier one than this.

Gabriel rose high to flick on Saka’s corner and Trossard was on hand at the back-post to tap the ball home.

It was a goal that underlined the value of set-pieces and how crucial they are for Arsenal.

Other clubs’ fans mocked a mural of set-piece Nicolas Jover last season, but it is impossible to underplay his impact.

Trossard also became the 10th different player to score for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, and the last eight goals the Gunners have all been netted by different players.

Much is being made of Viktor Gyokeres’ struggles in front of goal - and he drew a blank again this evening - but everyone is chipping in.