The Belgian forward scored in the second half to secure Arsenal’s return to first place in the Premier League standings. Gabriel Magalhaes surged to the front post, rising to turn a header further on, where Trossard was waiting to snap it home at the back post.
The goal came from Arsenal’s trademark corner kick routine, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of their set-piece strategy. The substitution saw Arsenal bring on Mikel Merino for Eberechi Eze, while Fulham introduced Kevin for Josh King and Emile Smith Rowe for Tom Cairney.
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Physical contest at Craven Cottage tests Arsenal’s depth amid injury crisis
Arsenal entered the match without several key attacking players. Captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out until November after picking up yet another injury in the West Ham win. Attackers Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined.
The lineup featured Viktor Gyokeres leading the attack, with Eberechi Eze operating in central midfield alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Arsenal’s starting eleven included Raya in goal, with Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori across the defense, Zubimendi, Rice and Eze in midfield, and Saka, Trossard and Gyokeres in attack.
Fulham also faced personnel challenges. Joachim Andersen was substituted before halftime and replaced by Issa Diop. Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz were both doubtful with injuries, potentially forcing youngster Josh King to lead the line.
Arsenal survive late penalty appeal after VAR review
The match featured a controversial moment in the closing stages when referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty to Arsenal after Kevin tackled Bukayo Saka. VAR sent Taylor to the pitch side monitor, but the tackle was inside the penalty area with Kevin getting the ball before Saka and the ball traveling away from Saka’s path.Referee Anthony Taylor announced to the crowd that Kevin played the ball so no penalty was awarded. The decision proved crucial as Fulham pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes.
Fulham’s missed opportunities and Arsenal’s defensive resilience
Fulham created several dangerous moments despite limited possession. Harry Wilson was particularly active, finding space and creating chances, though finishing those chances eluded him on at least three occasions.
Marco Silva targeted Riccardo Calafiori’s side, with Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez both dragging shots wide of the far post from the left. Former Arsenal players Bernd Leno, Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe all featured for the hosts.
Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya produced crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. In stoppage time, Bernd Leno produced a double save from Viktor Gyokeres and then off the rebound from Gabriel Martinelli.
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Match statistics reveal tight contest between London rivals
The fourth official signaled nine minutes of added time as Arsenal sought to hold onto their narrow advantage. Arsenal controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances in open play, relying on their set-piece prowess to break the deadlock.
The head-to-head record shows Arsenal with 10 wins, Fulham with 2 wins, and 6 draws in their meetings. Fulham have beaten Arsenal just 9 times since 1904, with all of those victories coming at their home stadium.
The victory maintains Arsenal’s unbeaten run and keeps them in pole position for the title race. The Gunners were unbeaten in four matches since their 1-0 loss at Liverpool, with back-to-back wins at Newcastle and home to West Ham United proving impressive.
Fulham’s home form offers little consolation despite strong season
Despite the defeat, Fulham’s season remains respectable. Both recent defeats, by Aston Villa and Bournemouth, came on the road, and Fulham remain unbeaten in five matches on home soil this season, where they have only dropped points once.
Fulham have only won twice this season in the Premier League, coming at home against Brentford and Leeds, both teams in the bottom 6. The Cottagers currently sit in 14th position as they navigate a challenging fixture schedule.
