Monday Fulham Stuff - 0/12/24...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Sunday 08/12
Fulham	1-1	Arsenal
Raúl
Ipswich	1-2	Bournemouth
Leicester	2-2	Brighton
Spurs	3-4	Chelsea

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal had a late goal disallowed as they missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points with a draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Bukayo Saka thought he had given the Gunners all three points when he headed in Gabriel Martinelli's cross two minutes from time, but the goal was disallowed after the Brazilian was found to be offside during the build-up.

Raul Jimenez, with his sixth goal of the season, put Fulham in front against the run of play when he latched on to Kenny Tete's ball down the line to fire past David Raya from a tight angle.

Arsenal, looking to capitalise on the postponement of Liverpool's Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday, struggled to carve out opportunities from open play in the first half and managed just one shot on target from Saka.

But Mikel Arteta's side were level within six minutes of the second half after a well-worked corner kick routine saw William Saliba convert Kai Havertz's knockdown.

It was one-way traffic after that as Arsenal pushed to find a winner but they struggled to break down a resolute Fulham side.

The draw means Arsenal are six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played a game more.

Fulham end testing week on a high
After the 4-1 defeat at home to Wolves a fortnight ago, Fulham fans could have been forgiven for dreading a games against Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal within seven days.

In hindsight, they need not have worried.

A spirited draw against Spurs last weekend was bettered by a 3-1 win against Brighton in midweek.

The visit of Arsenal, though, was the toughest of the lot.

Silva made four changes to his starting line-up from the team that beat Brighton.

In came Tete, Sasa Lukic, Jimenez and Adama Traore with Timothy Castagne, Reiss Nelson, Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson dropping out.

The Cottagers had to weather an early storm as Arsenal settled instantly into their rhythm.

But it was two of Silva's changes that combined to give Fulham the lead in the 11th minute.

Tete - remarkably, with his first touch of the game - threaded a lovely ball down the line between Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior to find Jimenez.

The Mexican, quickly accompanied by Saliba, had plenty to do but he took Raya by surprise by taking his shot early and finding the bottom corner.

It was the home side's only shot on target in the first half but Fulham were good value for their lead as they limited Arsenal to just one shot on target of their own.

A less determined side would have caved after Saliba's equaliser, as Arsenal dominated the remainder of the match in search of a winner.

The Cottagers carried a counter-attacking threat of their own through substitutes Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira, with the latter testing Raya at his near post late on.

It was the end of a testing week for Silva's side but it is one that they have passed with flying colours by taking five points from the nine available.

Set piece routines pay dividends again for Arsenal
The Gunners were well below their best in the first half, lacking the sharpness that that they have shown in wins against West Ham, Manchester United and Sporting in recent weeks.

Saka had the Gunners' only shot on target in the opening 45 minutes as the Gunners struggled to create opportunities from open play.

Much was made of Arsenal's prowess from set pieces following the 2-0 win against Manchester United in midweek, with both goals coming from corner kick routines.

The Gunners had set piece coach Nicolas Jover to thank again as they equalised at Craven Cottage with a routine straight from the training ground.

Declan Rice whipped a brilliant in-swinging corner in from the left to the back post, where Havertz nodded down for Saliba to tap home.

The goal - which survived a video assistant referee (VAR) review - was Arsenal's 23rd scored from a corner since the start of the 2023-24 season, more than any club in Europe during that time.

Arteta's side managed just four shots on target during the game and their best opportunities once again came from dead ball situations.

After Liverpool's game against Everton was postponed, the Gunners had the chance to close the gap on the Reds to four points.

They will rue that they could not take full advantage of the opportunity.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c9q7lvw485pt

[WhiteJC]

Post-Arsenal Press Conference
Marco Silva acknowledged that Fulham weren't at their flowing best on Sunday, but he was pleased with how his players stuck to the task at hand.

The Whites worked incredibly hard to frustrate Arsenal, and took away a deserved point for their efforts.

"Tough game, as we expected, really difficult for us," Silva said. "It's been a really tough week for us, with the three games in eight days – difficult type of games.

"And this afternoon, we knew that it was going to be tough, and Arsenal made it really difficult for us.

"Great fighting spirit and commitment from ourselves, the players stuck with the plan, first half they executed it really well.

"The early goal from ourselves in a very good open play moment, great finish from Raúl – the way we built that moment and that situation was really good from ourselves.

"Always Arsenal were trying to press ourselves, and we were able to beat the pressure. When Kenny received the ball, the way we were attacking behind was really good. Very good goal.

"Of course, after, Arsenal took the control of the game, and I really believe that on the ball, was not our best game, I have to be honest. Arsenal took the ball from ourselves.

"They didn't create many chances first half. They controlled the ball, they had possession, they had some set-pieces, but they only had one very good chance for Declan Rice, I don't remember many more, to be honest, because I think we blocked them well.

"Second half was a little bit different, I think they pushed us back a little bit more. I think, on the ball, we were not able to take the right decisions.

"When we got the ball ourselves, winning 1-0, you know the mindset of the players in some moments is not to take risks. Arsenal went man on man after the 1-0, and for you to beat the man on man situation, of course you have to be able to take some risks.

"And I think, mentally, the players were not in that direction to take risks. And it was more difficult for us to keep the ball. Arsenal equalised the game, they pushed us more back.

"Second half, we didn't create much – we had a big chance with Andreas, but was just the only one. But the organisation from us, the way the players stuck with the plan, it was difficult for us, but I think we created a difficult scenario for Arsenal."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/december/08/post-arsenal-press-conference/

[Baszab]

So much in the press being made of Arsenal being "denied" a late winner
If it's offside then it's not a bleeding goal
Ridiculous coverage in the Times for example

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal stumble at Fulham after Saka's late strike ruled out for offside
The good news is that it was better for Arsenal than last season. The bad news is that their run of successive wins was ended at four and they spurned an opportunity to apply pressure to the leaders Liverpool. And worse, they were denied an 89th‑minute winner by a tight – but correct – VAR offside call.

"Emotionally that was tough," Mikel Arteta said of the decision. He maintained his recent policy, though, of stressing the need for Arsenal to improve and take responsibility rather than looking for excuses, even if this was the eighth different back four he has named this season.

"You cannot cry about it," Arteta said. "It's the reality. We absolutely deserved to win the match from the beginning to the end. We did almost everything we had to do to win it. We have to look at those margins and see what can we do so the opponent has zero chance."

Liverpool may feel that, with six players out injured and Everton having put four past Wolves on Wednesday, the postponement of the Merseyside derby on Saturday provided a welcome break before the rigours of the festive programme. But it also gave Arsenal the opportunity to cut the gap to four points which, even having played a game more, does not seem anywhere near as daunting as seven. As it is, the gap is six points and Liverpool have a game in hand. Everything at the moment is coming up Arne Slot.

It was this fixture last season that inflicted decisive damage on Arsenal's title challenge. When the margin to the champions at the end of the season is as narrow as two points, all slip-ups are vital, but it was this game on New Year's Eve that seemed most significant, all the more so as it came on the back of an unexpected 2-0 home defeat against West Ham. What happened at Craven Cottage, though, was worse, if only because Arsenal went ahead after five minutes and seemed comfortable before Raúl Jiménez's equaliser and their subsequent collapse.

The impact may not be as great this season – and given how well Fulham are playing at the moment, there can be no assumption of away victory against them for any side – but, still, it was impossible to avoid the sense of stalling momentum. Arsenal have been much-improved since the return of Martin Ødegaard four games ago but there seemed a danger of them faltering again as Jiménez put Fulham ahead after 11 minutes. To an extent the damage was self‑inflicted as Jakub Kiwior drifted inexplicably towards the ball, offering the opportunity for Kenny Tete to slide a pass through for Jiménez to finish with crisp authority. Much of that first period went exactly as you imagine Marco Silva planned it: Arsenal having the bulk of possession but creating very little.

Sasa Lukic, operating alongside the imperious Sander Berge, was central to that. He is a player so much happier out of possession than he is with the ball that you can almost feel the relief among Fulham fans when he is tackled because that means he can get on with what he is best at: lunging in to win it back. The two full-backs also excelled, Antonee Robinson restricting Saka as well as anybody has this season, while Tete had a rather easier time against Leandro Trossard then Gabriel Martinelli, neither of whom are at their best at the moment.

Silva seemed slightly frustrated at how his side played in the second half as Arsenal pushed them back. "On the ball, this was not our best game," he said. "We were not able to take the right decisions. The mindset was not to take risks."

Still, the draw represented a solid afternoon's work. Fulham's other first-half success was in negating Arsenal's dead-ball threat in large part because of the way Adama Traoré, stationed at the back post next to William Saliba, was able to intercept his man with one chunky forearm, preventing him making a run across the goalkeeper. Perhaps his holding isn't strictly legal but then a lot of what happens at corners these days isn't; the whole 18-yard box has become a vast grey area.

However, there is a reason Arsenal fans sing the name of their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. The first corner Arsenal got in the second half was aimed not at one of the big defenders but deeper, to Kai Havertz. He headed down and Saliba, coming into the centre, shrugged off Traoré and, remaining a fraction onside, turned the ball in, Arsenal's 23rd goal from a corner since the start of last season.

Thomas Partey put a header just wide from another corner. Other than the late Saka header that might have pinched it had Martinelli remained onside, Arsenal's threat remained largely restricted to set‑pieces. Which is not really a criticism: having been for a long time a side who seemed to have to dominate games to win them, they now have a means of winning even when the rhythm isn't quite upon them, or against sides who defend as well as Fulham did.

Still, perhaps it would be worth investing in an open-play coach as good as Jover.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/arsenal-spurn-chance-close-gap-162224870.html

[WhiteJC]

Set piece to the Arsenal again, but lack of magic spark proves frustrating at Fulham
'One-nil to the Arsenal' was a jab at George Graham's defensive-minded side with a knack for edging games that became an almost self-deprecating and defiant chant of triumph from the club's fans: 'We may not be exciting but we're winning, so who cares'.

You wonder how far away we are from 'set piece to the Arsenal' getting sung in similar fashion. It's easy to be sniffy about the number of dead balls they have scored and earned points from this season, as if it ought to be a source of pride for over-achieving mid-table sides rather than something a top team ought to have as their primary weapon.

Plainly, that's bollocks; a stick desperately grasped by rivals to try and beat a side that has worked hard to get as good at scoring from corners and free kicks as they possibly can be. That flogging will barely register on Arsenal, especially after spending the latter half of Arsenal's spell facing the exact opposite accusation of only trying to score silky, perfect goals, to their own detriment.

It's interesting that Mikel Arteta was part of that side, and part of the coaching staff for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, yet is increasingly making his name as a pragmatic manager. There is a refreshing absence of delusion about the Arsenal boss. He focuses on what his side does well, knowing they lack individual superstar power on quite the level of Mo Salah or Erling Haaland. We say that with, genuinely, the very greatest of respect to Bukayo Saka, who at 23 is really not far off at all and well on his way there.

But there are occasional days when that extra bit of oomph would come in very handy for Arsenal, and this was one of them. Arsenal pushed and probed and had Fulham on the ropes throughout the second half, but were not able to find a valid winner.

Contrast their difficulties here with the scares Liverpool had against Southampton and Newcastle recently, only to rescue four points across the two games thanks largely to Salah's brilliance...that has made up a lot the difference between the two sides.

Saka has had some phenomenal games this season and over the past few games, but when he has been quiet – against Newcastle, against Chelsea, and now against Fulham – Arsenal have dropped points. That was the case season year, too: against Newcastle, against West Ham, twice against Aston Villa. To be clear, that is by no means a criticism of Saka, but merely to point out how dependent the Arsenal formula is on 'set pieces plus something from Saka'. Closing that gap to the top requires them to have just a little bit more than that.

That Saka is Arsenal's only real source for getting something out of nothing was hammered home by their late disallowed goal. The winger thought he had won the game late on with a well-taken header only for it be ruled out for an offside against Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up.

Despite rescuing a perfectly respectable point, it ended up as another frustrating afternoon for Arsenal. Raul Jimenez's lovely finish off a ball up the right wing had given Fulham a shock early lead, and there was no shame in it for Arsenal that they found the hosts so difficult to break down in search of an equaliser.

Coming into this game, only Arsenal themselves had a lower expected goals against than Fulham this season. Only Liverpool and Manchester City had allowed the opposition significantly fewer shots, with Tottenham and Chelsea pipping the Cottagers by mere handfuls.

That has been built more on organisation than doggedness: Fulham are among the least frequent tacklers sides in the Premier League, but one of its leaders for interceptions. They were boringly competent through to the break, limiting Arsenal to half-chances and just a single shot on target while showing very little attacking endeavour of their own.

Yet that kind of inviting approach may explain why Fulham have paradoxically been one of the weaker sides in the division for protecting their leads, winning six, drawing two and losing three from 11 winning positions this season.

Going behind has meanwhile been somewhat unfamiliar territory for Arsenal: this was just the fifth time this season they have trailed, and they had clawed back a draw and a win out of the previous four. Even with Fulham handling them as well as they did, the next goal was only going to go one way.

Indeed it did, William Saliba converting an unmissable chance provided by Kai Havertz's header across the box off for yet another Arsenal set piece goal – their eighth of the season already.

But then...a lot of huffing, a lot of puffing, but nothing that actually blew Fulham down. A point at Craven Cottage is decent this season, but Arsenal will be wondering whether they have just wasted their best chance to put pressure on rampant Liverpool that they are going to get this season.



https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-set-piece-arsenal-lack-magic-frustrating-fulham-arteta

[WhiteJC]

Premier League forced to release two VAR statements after Fulham vs Arsenal late drama
Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool down to six points after a draw against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

The Premier League has issued two VAR statements in the wake of Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal knew before kick-off that the gap to Liverpool would be cut to four points with a victory over Marco Silva's side after the Reds' derby against Everton was postponed due to adverse weather. However, Mikel Arteta's side was not on it in the first half and fell behind thanks to Raul Jimenez's early goal.

Whatever Arteta said at the interval worked though as the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser and got on 52 minutes as William Saliba steered the ball in from close range. VAR checked the on-field awarding of the goal before eventually allowing it to stand.

Explaining the decision, the Premier League's Match Centre tweeted: "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position." While that decision went in the Gunner's favour, they would fall victim to a decision going against them late on.

Bukayo Saka thought he had won it when he headed Gabriel Martinelli's cross into the back of the net. However, a VAR check found that Martinelli had strayed just into an offside position in the build-up and the goal was ruled out.

Releasing a further statement, the Premier League explained: "Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

Arsenal eventually had to settle for a point which is not ideal in their race for the Premier League title. They now sit six points behind Liverpool but the Reds' game in hand could extend that advantage back to nine points.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/premier-league-forced-release-two-30540894

[WhiteJC]

Pain for Arsenal after VAR intervention as Premier League title hopes take fresh hit with costly Fulham draw
Gunners held to 1-1 draw against Fulham

Arsenal left Fulham having closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, but this result felt like a real punch in the gut for their title hopes.

After the Merseyside derby was postponed yesterday due to Storm Darragh, the Gunners arrived in west London knowing they could move to within four points of Liverpool with a win over Fulham.

A draw is all they got, though, and the manner of the closing few moments made that all the more painful.

Bukayo Saka thought he had claimed all three points in the final minutes with a header at the back-post, only for VAR to correctly spot Gabriel Martinelli, who crossed him the ball, was offside in the build-up.

That summed up a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal, which began with them being behind after just 11 minutes. A long ball forward somehow allowed for Raul Jimenez to be through on goal and he finished excellently, finding the bottom corner.

The Gunners back-four was disjointed for it and that was perhaps due to the changes forced on Mikel Arteta.

This was the ninth different defence he has named this season in 15 league games and of those back-fours only two have played more than one match.

On this occasion, Jurrien Timber was moved from right to left-back after Oleksandr Zinchenko was ruled out due to injury. Thomas Partey shifted from holding midfield to right-back.

And it was down Arsenal's left that Fulham's goal came, with Jimenez's movement enabling him to get past Kiwior. That, however, was one of only two shots Fulham had all game. Arsenal had 66 per cent possession and 12 shots.

It was a set-piece again, though, that got them level. Declan Rice's corner was headed back across goal by Kai Havertz and William Saliba was there to prod it home.

That equaliser came early at the start of the second-half and you thought Arsenal would kick on from there.

Their set-pieces were effective and Partey missed a glorious chance from a corner, when he was totally unmarked just a few yards out.

Other than that, Arsenal did not create much for all their dominance and that will be a concern for Arteta.

The bench lacked firepower, with Gabriel Jesus' long wait for a league goal continuing to rumble on.

As they pushed for a winner at the end, Arsenal thought they had found it through Saka - who had a great battle with Antonee Robinson all game.

Saka finally thought he had got the better of him at the death, losing him at the far post to head in Martinelli's cross - but VAR intervened. It was a painful end to what could be a costly afternoon for Arsenal.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-premier-league-title-race-fulham-liverpool-var-b1198758.html

[WhiteJC]

Premier League release statement on Saka's Arsenal goal VAR ruled out vs Fulham
The Premier League has released a statement explaining why Bukayo Saka's late winner against Fulham was chalked off as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Marco Silva's side at Craven Cottage

The Premier League's Match Centre has given a full run-down on the controversial moments in Arsenal's match against Fulham, clarifying why William Saliba's equalising goal was given the green light and Bukayo Saka's late potential winner was ruled out.

Saliba managed to connect with Kai Havertz's header at close range, equalising for the Gunners early in the second half of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham. The goal looked to be in jeopardy of being ruled out for offside as Fulham players signalled their protests.

However, checking the footage revealed Antonee Robinson's left boot had played the French defender onside by the slightest of margins. "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position," affirmed the Premier League via a social media update on X.

Later on, Arsenal believed they had snatched a dramatic victory when Bukayo Saka nodded in Gabriel Martinelli's cross. But celebrations were cut short as VAR deemed that Martinelli was offside during the play leading up to the goal.

"Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed," said the Premier League statement regarding the rescinded goal, reports the Mirror.

Despite being down at half-time after Raul Jimenez's strike, Saliba's goal helped Arsenal avoid defeat, though Mikel Arteta's team couldn't secure all three points. The draw takes Arsenal within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, whose Saturday match against Everton was postponed. The league leaders have a game in hand due to that cancellation, while Chelsea could leapfrog Arteta's team with a draw or victory against Tottenham in Sunday's late fixture.

Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson expressed his frustration at Martinelli being caught offside. "In football terms it's criminal," he commented on Sky Sports. "You're looking across the line, you've got pace. I'll be surprised if he isn't on the receiving end of a telling-off from the manager. You could see it on his face, he knew. The one thing when looking across the line is you cannot be offside."

Despite dropping points against Fulham, Arsenal still sit above last season's Premier League champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's team continued their challenging campaign on Saturday, drawing 2-2 away at Crystal Palace, and they remain two points behind the Gunners.

"This season started difficult and will be more difficult than last season," Guardiola admitted. "We have to survive this season, every game, try to take points to win games and go forward. We know it and feel it and unfortunately we are also missing important players."



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-saka-statement-var-34273580

[WhiteJC]

Banned: Bassey to miss Fulham's trip to Liverpool after yellow card for pushing Arsenal forward
Fulham's defender Calvin Bassey will miss the upcoming match against Liverpool due to a yellow card received during the London derby against Arsenal.

The Nigerian international played the full 90 minutes as Fulham held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

The match kicked off with a thrilling start as Fulham took the lead in the eleventh minute.

Raul Jimenez showcased his striking prowess, finishing a well-placed low shot past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya after a long pass from Kenny Tete.

However, the Gunners responded in the second half. In the 52nd minute, a delivery from Declan Rice was met by Kai Havertz, who headed the ball back to William Saliba, allowing him to tap in the equalizer from close range.

As the match progressed, Arsenal looked for a winner. A late opportunity saw Bukayo Saka score, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out due to a marginal offside in the buildup, specifically involving Martinelli, the assister.

Despite Arsenal's attempt to snatch a winner, Fulham held on to the draw on home soil.

However, Bassey received his yellow card in the 72nd minute for pushing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz. It was his fifth of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

The Super Eagles defender and teammate Robinson, halted an Arsenal attack by taking out both Ødegaard and Havertz off the ball

Conversely, Bassey will miss Fulham's next league match against Liverpool at Anfield, a significant blow to the Cottagers' defensive lineup.

The match marked is a continuation of Arsenal's struggles against Fulham, as they have yet to secure a win in their last three Premier League meetings (two draws and one loss).

Adeyemi Adewale




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=53947

[WhiteJC]

Fulham hold Arsenal to draw at home
Raul Jimenez scores early for the Craven Cottage hosts and William Saliba equalises for the visitors

London — Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals Fulham on a grey, wet Sunday at Craven Cottage as Raul Jimenez scored early for the hosts and William Saliba equalised for the visitors at the start of the second half.

Jimenez stunned title-chasing Arsenal in the 11th minute, racing away down the right and firing right-footed across goalkeeper David Raya into the far corner.

Saliba levelled shortly after the interval from point-blank range, poking the ball in when Kai Havertz headed it back down into his path from a corner.

Arsenal thought they had won it in the 88th minute when Bukayo Saka headed the ball in from close range, but the goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee for an offside in the build-up.

Fulham have now lost only one of their last seven league games and sit 10th in the table on 23 points, while Arsenal are second on 29.



https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/soccer/2024-12-08-fulham-hold-arsenal-to-draw-at-home/

[WhiteJC]

Battling Fulham make their point
It wasn't as stunning as last season but Fulham still badly wounded Arsenal's title challenge at a windswept and rainy Craven Cottage this afternoon. The Gunners were badly shaken by conceding an excellent opener to the evergreen Raul Jimenez in the eleventh minute and, although Mikel Arteta's men dominated both possession and territory, they had strikingly little to show for it until William Saliba converted a knock down from Kai Havertz to score Arsenal's 23rd goal from a corner since the start of last term. The visitors thought they had won it with a late Bukayo Saka header, but that goal was ruled out by the VAR when Gabriel Martinelli was adjudged offside in the build-up.

Fulham fought gallantly from the first whistle but this was a modified version of Marco Silva's most adventurous approach. With the aim of the game to frustrate Arsenal's free flowing football, it was more of an afternoon for the likes of Sander Berge, brilliant in central midfield, and Sasa Lukic to shine rather than Emile Smith Rowe, who had little opportunity to show off his silky skills against his former employers. Smith Rowe did sneak in between the Arsenal defence once in the first period, but his control let him down as he looked to run clean through on David Raya.

Any worries that the home side would struggle to match Arsenal's intensity, having had 24 hours less recovery time than their opponents in midweek, were unfounded. Their endeavour and desire were typified by the way in which Robinson relentlessly pursued Saka down the left flank, with Fulham's skipper coming out on top in one of the contest's most watchable duels. The Whites enjoyed early joy along the opposite wing with the goal arriving when Kenny Tete played a perfect pass in front of Raul Jimenez and the Mexican measured a magnificent finish beyond Raya's despairing dive from the right angle of the penalty area.

It was all hands to the pump for the remainder of the first half. Declan Rice darted beyond the Fulham defence only to shoot wide and Bernd Leno was assertive in dealing with Arsenal's set piece threat, punching clear one of the more dangerous corners, before the German smothered a Saka shot shortly before half time. The England winger fizzed a threatening cross just beyond Rice's outstretched foot right at the end of the first period, but Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop deserved great credit for keeping Havertz, operating as the focal point of the visitors' attack, very quiet.

Fulham were forced onto the defensive after Arsenal's equaliser – which survived a VAR check for offside against Saliba after the centre back had snuck past Adama Traore to get the telling touch – with Leno making a smart save from Leandro Trossard. Havertz drove disappointingly wide from a promising position before Leno gathered a low effort from Rice as the home side appeared to be penned back deep inside their own territory.

A rare counter-attack saw substitute Andreas Pereira saunter onto a superb lofted pass from Sander Berge, but Raya was quick to narrow the angle and saved with his feet. Fulham did well to restrict the away side's clearest opportunities to set plays until Martinelli's deep cross was headed home by Saka – sparking delirious celebrations in front of the travelling supporters in the Putney End. They proved premature as Fulham battled for another point that showed Silva's side are far from a pushover on the banks of the Thames.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Diop, Bassey; Berge, Lukic (Cuenca 90+2); Traore (Wilson 60), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Pereira 60); Jimenez (Muniz 80). Subs (not used): Benda, Castagne, R. Sessegnon, King, Godo.

BOOKED: Lukic, Bassey, Jimenez, A. Robinson.

GOAL: Jimenez (11).

ARSENAL (4-3-3): Raya; Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Saliba; Jorginho (Merino 74), Rice, Odegaard (Nwaneri 79); Saka, Trossard (Martinelli 60), Havertz (Jesus 74). Subs (not used): Neto, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Heaven, Sterling.

BOOKED: Martinelli, Rice.

GOAL: Saliba (52).

REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh (Greater Manchester).

ATTENDANCE: 26,954.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/battling-fulham-make-their-point/

[WhiteJC]

Silva proud of Fulham's 'commitment
Marco Silva praised Fulham's commitment and organisation after his side frustrated title-chasing Arsenal and picked up a point in an absorbing London derby at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Gunners, who trailed to an early strike from Raul Jimenez, equalised in the second half through William Saliba but were denied a late winner when Bukayo Saka's far post header was ruled out off for offiside by the video assistant referee.

The Fulham head coach was delighted with his side's display – telling the BBC after the final whistle:

"I'm more pleased with the way our players fought, the commitment, the organisation. It's always tough when we play against them but they know it will be tough too. We create a difficult scenario for them. We have to be honest and fair. On the ball it was one of the games we had less time on the ball. We scored a very good goal. Second half was more difficult. The team has less energy.

They scored a really tight goal. The players were brave enough. Second half much more control from them but not big chances. Performance-wise it wasn't the best game from ourselves. What a goal [that Jimenez scored], what a move and what a finish. It's been a tough week. In eight days we played Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal. They've been great. The momentum is here for us. We have to be proud of the season so far."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/silva-proud-of-fulhams-commitment/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League release statement after late Arsenal winner vs Fulham disallowed
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was denied a dramatic late winner against Fulham on Sunday.

The Premier League's Match Centre has clarified the decisions surrounding William Saliba's goal for Arsenal against Fulham, which was allowed to stand, and Bukayo Saka's disallowed late strike. Saliba netted from close range after getting on the end of a Kai Havertz header, levelling the score in the second half of the London derby.

Despite initial offside claims by the hosts at Craven Cottage, replays showed Antonee Robinson's left boot narrowly kept Saliba onside.

"The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position," stated the Premier League on social media.

Later drama unfolded when Saka thought he had clinched a dramatic winner, only for VAR to rule it out, spotting that Gabriel Martinelli was offside during the build-up.

"Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed," read the official statement regarding the disallowed goal.

Despite falling behind to a Raul Jimenez goal before halftime, Saliba's equaliser ensured Arsenal avoided defeat, although Arteta's men were unable to secure the full three points.

The draw has brought the Gunners within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, whose match against Everton was postponed on Saturday.

The new league favourites have a game in hand due to the cancellation, while Chelsea could move back above Arteta's men with a draw or win against Tottenham in Sunday's late game.

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson expressed his frustration at Martinelli straying offside on Sky Sports, stating: "In football terms it's criminal.

"You're looking across the line, you've got pace. I'll be surprised if he isn't on the end of one from the manager.

"You could see it on his face, he knew. The one thing when looking across the line is you cannot be offside."



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1986120/Premier-League-release-statement-Fulham-vs-Arsenal-score-Bukayo-Saka-goal

[WhiteJC]

OUTSTANDING performance from Liverpool transfer target hands Arne Slot title boost
While the club's expectations at the start of the season were tempered, as Arne Slot was faced with the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp, it is now clear that Liverpool can be serious contenders for the Premier League title.

After 21 games played, the team has won 18 of them, losing just one in that time, and now sitting at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League, they've proved their credentials as a team to look out for this season.

In their fight for Premier League glory stands reigning champions Manchester City and title pretenders from the past few seasons, Arsenal.

And while Liverpool were unable to play this weekend as their Merseyside Derby clash against Everton was postponed because of the safety threat caused by Storm Darragh, the team was still able to have a successful weekend, pulling away from their rivals.

Arsenal drop points away at Fulham
While Fulham have been a bogey team for the Gunners in recent years, an Arsenal outfit with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka was always favoured for the victory.

However, in emphatic fashion, Raul Jimenez gave the Cottagers the lead, and that advantage remained intact at half-time.

The home side had only created 0.03xg throughout the opening 45 minutes, but it was enough to send a shiver down Mikel Arteta's spine, although his team were still in the game.

It took a Saliba header from a corner in the 52nd minute to bring Arsenal back to parity - a moment Arsenal's set piece coach Nicolas Jover will be particularly proud about, as Arsenal's last three goals have all been from corners.

And it looked like Arsenal were set to take all three points, when Saka scored in the 90th minute, but Gabriel Martinelli was ruled offside for his involvement in the build-up.

As such, it means that Liverpool will gain points on both Arsenal (two points) and Man City (three points) if they can win their game in hand against Everton when it is eventually rescheduled.

For Fulham, it was a job well done at Craven Cottage ahead of next week's visit to Anfield, and an essential part of today's performance was full-back Antonee Robinson, who was charged with locking up Saka today.

Robertson replacement excels in Arsenal audition
Liverpool have been linked with Antonee Robinson for a number of months now, as the Reds' current left-back Andrew Robertson begins to show clear signs of decline.

In order to keep the defence in tip-top shape, and to continue the good defensive work that Arne Slot has been able to deliver from his players so far this season - 15 goals conceded in 21 matches - the club may need to bite the bullet and invest in a new future star.

And what better way to show your transfer admirers what you can do than locking up Bukayo Saka and captaining your team to a well-deserved point against title contenders Arsenal?

While captaining the Cottagers in this afternoon's display, Robinson managed five clearances, three interceptions, five tackles, 6/9 ground duels, 1/2 aerial duels and 1/2 successful dribbles.

Not a bad showing at all and at 27 years old, it was the sort of performance you'd expect from a qualified professional, although it's easier said than done competing against the best teams.

He even received praise on social media for his efforts, with fans left in awe by the American fullback.

"I'd be all over Antonee Robinson from Fulham if I was in charge of transfers at Liverpool, he's absolutely brilliant. I love Robertson but it's time to start planning for the future," one Liverpool fan wrote on X.

A Welsh football fan added: "Antonee Robinson is a top professional, most underrated fullback in the league easily."

"Whenever I want to show positive defending actions from full backs to show my players I always clip Antonee Robinson bits. The way he played Saka there. Aggressive without being rash and out of control," was the view of a UEFA-qualified grassroots football coach.

And Sam Dean from the Daily Telegraph said: "Arsenal have taken two points from the last nine available against Fulham. Whatever questions #AFC try to pose, Marco Silva seems to have the answers.

"Antonee Robinson was outstanding against Bukayo Saka & Sander Berge was tireless in midfield for #FFC".

With Andry Robertson set to be out of contract in 2026, meaning a decision on the Scottish captain's future will be needed by next year.

Should sporting director Richard Hughes be looking to move him on, there can't be too many better players out there to replace him than Robinson, who captained Fulham today.

Liverpool are also looking at the possibility of bringing in Bournemouth fullback Milos Kerkez, whom Hughes may have a better rapore with following his time as the Cherries' sporting director, but there are a variety of options out there, which ever way Liverpool choose to proceed.



https://www.anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-fc/news/liverpool-transfer-target-outstanding-performance-against-arsenal/

[WhiteJC]

Positives and Negatives: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

Jack Stroudley looks back at our point at home to title-chasing Arsenal.

Fulham continued to weave their way through a tricky run with another point on the board, this time at home to title-chasing Arsenal. Once again it was another valiant showing from Marco Silva's side, but what are the main takeaways from the game?

Positives

The Thames Barrier

This will feel more like a point gained rather than two dropped and a lot of that is down to our structure for large portions of the game. I thought (particularly in the first half) we were able to really limit Arsenal to half-chances from open play, frustrating them and particularly Martin Odegaard. Antonee Robinson did really well dealing with the Partey, Saka, Odegaard triangle (especially given Traore's lack of tracking during parts of the game).

As Arsenal continued to control the ball and grow into the game cracks began to appear. Thankfully, Bernd Leno was on hand time and time again to stop those efforts hitting the back of the net. Given we are Andersen-less it was a very good performance from a defensive point of view and something we'll need to emulate next week at Anfield (albeit without Calvin Bassey who is now suspended).

Berge baby Berge

70% of the earth is covered by water, the remaining 30% is covered by Sander Berge. The Norwegian was absolutely everywhere on Sunday putting out fires, looking to transition and being an overall nuisance for our North London visitors. Six tackles, eight 50/50's won, only five misplaced passes and a 100% dribble success rate sums up the type of afternoon Berge had at Craven Cottage. As games go by he's showing more and more why we paid £20m for him in the summer, if he keeps this upwards trajectory it's going to feel like a bargain.

Si Señor

Jakub Kiwior must absolutely hate Raul Jimenez, that's two seasons on the bounce the Mexican has hassled him at Craven Cottage. Raul was back to his bullish self on Sunday constantly bullying Arsenal defenders, fighting for every ball and scoring the opportunity that came his way. Jimenez is a confidence player and now the hypothetical monkey is off his back hopefully he'll go on a bit of a run going into the new year.

Negatives

Slow out the blocks

Following William Saliba's equaliser in the 52nd minute that's now seven goals in fourteen games we have conceded this season between the second-half kicking off and the hour-mark, it's something that seriously needs addressing at this point. Why are we slow starters? If Fulham are serious about pushing towards the upper echelons' of the table then this is something that needs to be nipped in the bud quickly.

Chris Kavanagh

You'll notice that I like to have some sort of pun or silly title for each point, I think that nothing is sillier than referee Christopher Kavanagh who was the biggest negative of the day. I'm never usually one for belittling referees and constantly criticising, I feel over the course of the season you get the rub of the green but today was laughable.

Every single 50/50 seemed to go in the way of the visitors, whenever an Arsenal player felt the wind they'd drop like a sack of potatoes and be awarded a foul, cards were being handed out to Fulham like it was a Christmas party while Arsenal seemed to get away with murder time and time again. It was incredibly frustrating to watch, it was so apparent that Arsenal were using the "dark arts" to their advantage, it is slightly funny though that it happened to be the man from Old Trafford gate who was falling for the bait.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-12-08-positives-and-negatives-fulham-1-1-arsenal/

[HV71]

So much in the press being made of Arsenal being "denied" a late winner
If it's offside then it's not a bleeding goal
Ridiculous coverage in the Times for example


Totally agree - it may have been " marginally " offside - but offside non the less. Equally the goal they scored was only " marginally " onside but no one mentions that. Pathetic .

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva shares what he 'knew' Arsenal would try to do against Fulham in 1-1 draw
As was the case for the Gunners last season at Craven Cottage, Fulham frustrated Arsenal and held them back in pursuit of the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side were frustrated to draw 1-1 on a weekend in which Liverpool's trip to Everton was postponed.

Arsenal failed to put some 'scoreboard pressure' on Arne Slot's side and delivered an uninspiring performance from a creative point of view.

Fulham defended resolutely, something that was best demonstrated by Alex Iwobi playing as second right-back for much of the game.

Martin Odegaard wasn't able to influence things and Arsenal dropped two vital points.

Marco Silva says Fulham were ready for Arsenal's second half surge
That being said, when speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Fulham boss Marco Silva shared some interesting comments about Arsenal, whilst also praising his team.

Silva thought that Arsenal were nullified by Fulham who didn't allow them to create 'good chances', and the home team were aware of what the Gunners would do in the second half.

He said: "The first thing is to praise the [Fulham] players for their commitment. On the ball it wasn't the game we like to play normally.

"The weather conditions weren't the best. They are really strong in the pressure.

"In some moments we should have kept the ball. Not many chances [for Arsenal] I think were good chances.

"We knew they'd start the second half strongly. I'd like to see us making better decisions because we had some good moments to punish them more but they equalised.

"It was less than 72 hours [since the last game]. Second half I felt the energy wasn't there because when you have so much time without the ball you need fresh legs.

"Overall the commitment and fighting spirit was really good."

Arsenal made to pay for costly defensive error vs Fulham
Although Silva was right to praise his side for limiting Arsenal from open play, the Gunners were largely to blame for not winning themselves.

Thomas Partey missed a golden chance from another Arsenal set-piece, a header that simply had to hit the back of the net.

Similarly, Jakub Kiwior cost Arsenal at the back – he let Raul Jimenez run off of his shoulder far too easily to score for Fulham.

A frustrating afternoon for Arteta and his side who failed to put the pressure on Liverpool as mentioned.

It's certainly not a result that Arsenal can't recover from, but it increasingly feels as if Arteta's team still have the same squad issues that existed last season.



https://tbrfootball.com/marco-silva-shares-what-he-knew-arsenal-would-try-to-do-against-fulham-in-1-1-draw/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal face ghosts of Christmas past as title hopes suffer fresh blow in costly Fulham draw
Arsenal were held to a draw by Fulham on Sunday to leave them six points adrift of leaders Liverpool in an eery replay of what happened to their title bid last Christmas

Pantomime season came early down by the Thames as this festive season Arsenal dropped points before Christmas.

Last year Mikel Arteta's side lost London derbies to West Ham and Fulham and the title over the holiday period. On Sunday, the injury-hit Gunners defence allowed an early Raul Jimenez strike - and then every clearance from an Arsenal corner was met by theatrical applause by the Fulham faithful.

The excellent William Saliba equalised after the break with Arsenal's 23rd goal from corners since the start of last season. And the North London club dominated the rest of the game as a winner seemed inevitable.

But the biggest cheer of the afternoon came in the 90th minute when Bukayo Saka's late header was ruled out by VAR to deny the Gunners a fifth straight win. And at the end of the madcap afternoon of swirling wind and rain, Arsenal are still six points behind leaders Liverpool after playing a game more.

Fulham, who took five points off the Gunners last season, were excellent. And Marco Silva's side set a new club record of scoring in 14 successive top-flight matches and now are unbeaten in nine consecutive London derbies.

But to go from perennial challengers to champions, these are the kind of games Arsenal have to win. And despite all the second half pressure, they lacked variety and physicality in their attack outside their deadballs while Antonee Robinson nullified Saka.

And two points they closed in on Liverpool last week have potentially been given right back before Noel. The first half was reminiscent of the flat away defeats to Newcastle and Bournemouth as Fulham looked to spring Arsenal pressure with long balls.

It worked perfectly after 11 minutes when Jimenez was released by a perfect pass from right-back Kenny Tete. With Fulham's first shot - and the only one on target until the 71st minute - the former Wolves striker cracked home his sixth goal of the season after running off Jakub Kiwior.

The simple move proved that Arsenal's back four - missing the injured Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko - also needs to defend. Saka forced a good low save from former Gunners keeper Leno but most of the entertainment in the opening period occurred during Arsenal deadballs.

Amid all the WWF-style chaos, Leno made a couple of unconvincing punches, Traore mandhandled Saliba and Issa Diop ended up in his own net in slapstick scenes. The Premier League constantly throws up new entertainment and talking points - and Arsenal's deadball deliveries are definitely the latest. Home fans now regard keeping out a Gunners corner a major relief and achievement

Asked if Fulham defending was fair, Arteta said: "Yes for sure. It is up to the referee to decide. Do I hear the opposition fans cheering clearances from our corners? For sure because we are a real threat and it is not simple to defend."

Fulham's resistance finally cracked with the Gunners' fifth corner after 52 minutes. Declan Rice's cross was mis-headed by Kai Havertz before Saliba diverted the ball home for his second goal of the campaign. A VAR check showed Antonee Robinson's foot just played the Frenchman onside.

"It was only the foot of Robinson that saw their goal stand - normally we stop that goal," said Silva. We handled their setplays really well. They are strong. The other team has to be strong as well."

Thomas Partey should have headed home the winner from Arsenal's sixth and final corner but Leno denied sub Andreas Pereira after a rapid counterattack. The climax to the encounter saw sub Gabriel Martinelli cut in and find Saka at the far post only for VAR to this time rule the Brazilian was just offside when he received the ball.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-fulham-premier-league-arteta-34273988

[WhiteJC]

'People see he's got the right attitude' - Ian Wright hails Iwobi for proving himself after leaving Arsenal
Gunners legend Ian Wright has commended Alex Iwobi for proving himself after departing Arsenal, saying everyone can see the midfielder has the right attitude.

A product of the Hale End Academy, the Nigeria international spent fifteen years at Arsenal before he was sold to Everton for a fee of £35 million.

Iwobi registered fifteen goals and twenty-four assists in 149 all-competition appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield  before leaving the Emirates Stadium in 2019.

The £72 million signing of Nicolas Pepe, a club-record deal at the time, led Arsenal to let go of one of their academy graduates.

Following a four-year stint at Everton, Iwobi moved back to London to join Fulham, where he has been in exceptional form since the beginning of the 2024-2025 season.

The 28-year-old has contributed to eight goals in fifteen Premier League appearances this term, all of which he started, and has earned rave reviews for his performances.

Under the tutelage of Marco Silva, the Nigerian has established himself as an indispensable player during his second season at Craven Cottage.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Wright said ahead of the Fulham versus Arsenal game: "A club like Arsenal with the facilities that you have had since you were eight, you leave and go somewhere like Fulham, depending on the character you are is how you are going to respond to the situation you are now in.

"If you want to go there and act like, 'I have just come from Arsenal, this isn't good enough,' then you are probably not going to thrive.

"But if you go and you show them why you were at Arsenal and it's not your fault you are not there, it's just that they have chosen to move you on, then you go and prove yourself like he's doing, then people see he's got the right attitude for it."

Against his former employers on Sunday afternoon, Iwobi played the full game as Arsenal came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=53948