Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League at new year after a disappointing defeat at Fulham.
Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners an early lead within five minutes, but Raul Jimenez, returning from suspension, equalized, and Bobby Decordova-Reid secured the winning goal in the 60th minute.
This defeat dropped Arsenal to fourth place, trailing leaders Liverpool by two points, as Liverpool prepares to host Newcastle on New Year’s Day.
Fulham now occupies the 13th position after breaking a streak of three consecutive defeats.
Arsenal initiated the match perfectly with a fifth-minute goal stemming from a swift counterattack. Gabriel Martinelli’s skillful, curling shot from the left was parried by former Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno, providing Bukayo Saka the opportunity to extend a right leg and loop the ball into the net from six yards.
However, Fulham responded effectively, leveling the score in the 29th minute. Willian, another former Arsenal player in Fulham’s squad, assisted captain Tom Cairney down the left, resulting in a dangerous low cross that Raul Jimenez expertly swept into the net.
Marco Silva’s team clinched the decisive winner from a corner, with Bobby Decordova-Reid stabbing the ball past David Raya amid pinball action in the box. This condemned Arsenal to back-to-back defeats, following their 2-0 loss to West Ham at home on Thursday.
Blunt Arsenal winless in three games
This outcome and performance mark the conclusion of a dismal Christmas period for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, as they have now experienced three consecutive Premier League matches without a victory for the first time this season.
Over the past eight days, they’ve only managed to secure one point, and should Liverpool triumph over Newcastle, Arsenal could find themselves trailing the leaders by five points.
The stark contrast from being at the top of the league at Christmas, following a draw at Anfield on December 23, is a cause for concern, and Arteta will need to address this turnaround promptly.
In response to the loss against West Ham, Arteta made adjustments, including starting Eddie Nketiah upfront instead of Gabriel Jesus, yet Nketiah’s efforts, while filled with endeavor, struggled to make a significant impact in the attack.
Arsenal’s lack of a cutting edge in comparison to their title rivals is increasingly apparent, fueling discussions about Arteta’s potential need to secure another striker in the upcoming January transfer window. Bukayo Saka’s goal has now elevated him to the club’s top scorer in the league with six goals.
Jimenez return fires up Fulham
Commencing this match with just a six-point buffer above the relegation zone, Fulham welcomed back Jimenez and Willian, the latter returning from a hamstring injury.
Willian, released from his three-year contract with Arsenal in 2021 after a challenging period, had been absent in the previous three league games, all of which Fulham lost without finding the net. Jimenez, who had received a red card for a high tackle in the 3-0 defeat against Newcastle, and Willian undoubtedly brought an added layer of skill to Fulham’s offensive capabilities.
This victory prevented the club from enduring four consecutive league defeats without scoring for the first time since 1971, showcasing their strengths as they strive to climb the league table. While Fulham remains seven points below their position after 20 games last season, Jimenez’s return and impact on the field provide some relief for manager Marco Silva.
The margin of victory could have been more comprehensive had it not been for a spectacular save by Raya to deny Cairney in the second half, and a late free-kick from Andreas Pereira striking the crossbar.