Arsenal back on top after narrow win over Fulham | OneFootball

Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, thanks to a decisive second-half strike from Leandro Trossard.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the London derby knowing that only a win would take them back above Manchester City, who had briefly moved to the summit earlier in the day with a 2-0 victory over Everton. And though Fulham pushed the league leaders all the way, Arsenal’s superior edge in key moments proved enough.

The Cottagers began brightly despite their depleted ranks, with Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson both testing the Arsenal defence in the early exchanges.

The Gunners thought they had taken the lead when Riccardo Calafiori rifled in a superb strike from the edge of the box, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

The hosts continued to press, but were dealt another blow before half-time as defender Joachim Andersen was forced off injured - adding to Marco Silva’s already lengthy list of absentees.

Mikel Arteta's side stepped up after the interval and found the breakthrough just before the hour mark.

From Bukayo Saka’s corner, centre-back Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to flick the ball across goal, where Trossard arrived unmarked at the back post to sweep home.

Moments later, Arsenal thought they had a penalty when Saka went down under a challenge from Kevin, but VAR overturned referee Anthony Taylor’s decision.

Despite late pressure from Marco Silva's side, Arsenal’s defence held firm, with goalkeeper David Raya rarely troubled in the closing stages.

The result ensures Arteta’s men move three points clear at the top of the table, while Fulham remain 14th after suffering their third straight defeat.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

1':

The match begins

2':

Timothy Castagne commits a foul against Fulham.

7':

Ryan Sessegnon commits a foul for Fulham.

7':

Ryan Sessegnon committed a foul for Fulham.

13':

Opportunity wasted. Harry Wilson from Fulham attempted a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.

13':

Opportunity wasted. Harry Wilson from Fulham attempted a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went just wide to the left. The assist came from Sander Berge.

17':

Raúl Jiménez from Fulham committed a foul.

19':

Raúl Jiménez from Fulham committed a foul.

25':

Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal committed a foul.

26':

Missed opportunity! Harry Wilson from Fulham took a left-footed shot from the center of the box that was nearly on target, but it went wide. The assist came from Alex Iwobi.

27':

Jurriën Timber from Arsenal committed a foul.

31':

Missed opportunity! Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area following a corner, but it went wide.

36':

Raúl Jiménez from Fulham committed a foul.

38':

Opportunity wasted! Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it just skimmed past the goal. The assist came from Bukayo Saka, who delivered a great cross.

45 +5':

Raúl Jiménez committed a foul on a Fulham player.

45 +5':

Raúl Jiménez from Fulham committed a foul.

45 +7':

Opportunity wasted. Declan Rice of Arsenal attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed high and to the left. The assist came from Bukayo Saka.

47':

Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham committed a foul.

48':

Missed opportunity! Leandro Trossard of Arsenal attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went just wide to the left. The assist came from Eberechi Eze, who delivered a cross.

52':

Opportunity wasted! Harry Wilson from Fulham took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed high and to the left of the goal. The assist came from Alex Iwobi.

55':

Opportunity wasted! Harry Wilson from Fulham took a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sails over the goal. The assist came from Alex Iwobi.

Fulham 0, Arsenal 1. Leandro Trossard finds the net for Arsenal with a right-footed shot from close range, sending the ball straight into the center of the goal. The assist came from Gabriel Magalhães following a corner kick.

58':

Missed opportunity! Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal attempted a header from just a few meters out, but it went just wide to the left. The assist came from Bukayo Saka, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.

Fulham 0, Arsenal 1. Leandro Trossard finds the back of the net for Arsenal with a right-footed shot from close range, right in the middle of the goal. The assist came from Gabriel Magalhães following a corner kick.

58':

GOAL Arsenal: Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) scores!

58':

GOAL Arsenal: Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) scores!

Leandro Trossard scores goal number 1 in the competition (6 matches) Leandro Trossard scores goal number 1 in the competition (6 matches) Leandro Trossard scores goal number 31 for his team (133 matches) Leandro Trossard scores goal number 31 for his team (133 matches)

67':

Kevin from Fulham has given away a penalty due to a foul committed in the box.

75':

Issa Diop committed a foul for Fulham.

77':

Sander Berge committed a foul against Fulham.

77':

Martín Zubimendi from Arsenal committed a foul.

80':

Missed opportunity. Viktor Gyökeres from Arsenal attempted a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it sailed over the goal and to the left.

83':

Missed opportunity! Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal took a right-footed shot from the center of the box that came close but didn't find the target. The assist was provided by Jurriën Timber.

85':

Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham committed a foul.

87':

Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham committed a foul.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match