Arsenal’s difficult end to 2023 continued as Fulham came from behind to beat the Gunners 2-1 to inflict a second straight defeat on Mikel Arteta’s side and deny them top spot in the Premier League.
The visitors made the perfect start in response to their midweek defeat to West Ham as Bernd Leno could only parry Gabriel Martinelli’s shot into the path of Bukayo Saka, who tapped home from close range to give the Gunners the lead in the fifth minute.
However, Fulham took the game to Arsenal and responded, ending a run of three Premier League games without a goal as Raul Jimenez converted Tom Cairney’s cross to bring the hosts level.
It was another extremely difficult afternoon for Arsenal, who failed to muster a shot on target in the second half, and they could not halt Fulham’s momentum as Bobby De Cordova-Reid fired home the winner in the 59th minute to make it a happy end of year for Marco Silva’s side.
The win sees Fulham, who end a run of three straight defeats without scoring a goal, move up to 13th in the table.
Meanwhile, Arteta’s men have just one win in their last five games in the league. The defeat caps a miserable few days as they stay fourth and miss out on a second chance to go top of the Premier League, leaving Liverpool with an opportunity to go three points clear when they face Newcastle on New Year’s Day, live on Sky Sports (kick-off 8pm).
What’s next?
Fulham welcome Rotherham to Craven Cottage in the FA Cup third round on Friday January 6; kick-off 7.30pm.
Arsenal host Liverpool in the FA Cup third round on Sunday January 7; kick-off 4.30pm.
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