Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
by Layth Yousif 
at Craven Cottage

LEANDRO TROSSARD’S second half goal was enough to beat Fulham as Premier League table toppers Arsenal moved three points clear before today’s fixtures took place.

Trossard’s 58th minute strike was enough for Mikel Arteta’s flinty Gunners to clinch an atmospheric, hard-fought London derby on the banks of the River Thames.

The triumph underlined that this particular Arsenal vintage possesses teak-tough strength and character, to go with their undoubted ability, as they eked out an important win against a spirited Fulham team that has caused them problems over the last couple of seasons.

In front of 27,736 fans at a sold-out Craven Cottage, including the watching Mick Jagger, Arsenal enjoyed the satisfaction of another set piece goal, their 50th set piece strike since the start of the 2022-23 season, 16 more than any other side.

The winner coming just before the hour mark when centre-back Gabriel flicked on a Bukayo Saka corner in a crowded box, with Trossard well placed to squeeze the ball home from close range at the back post, to win a hard-fought match against an impressive Fulham side.

Speaking after the match, as the Gunners made it five wins on the bounce, having conceded a mere three goals all campaign, with the Belgian winner making it ten different goalscorers in the league so far this term, the most of any team, Arteta said: “That’s a great thing to have around the team, because we are not relying on an individual or two to do that.

“The fact that the goals can come from different ways as well, that’s another thing that is very important. And again, another clean sheet. I don’t think we conceded a shot on target again today, which is a great foundation to give us the possibility to win games.”

Earlier, Arsenal were initially awarded a penalty after Saka appeared to be felled by Kevin in the box. However, VAR thought otherwise and sent referee Anthony Taylor to the monitor to think again - before the Manchester official changed his mind after review and rescinded his original award of a spot kick.

Eberechi Eze started in place of injured Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, but it was Riccardo Calafiori who thought he had scored in the opening stages, before his technically excellent effort when sweeping the ball past Bernd Leno was correctly ruled out for offside.

While a lively Fulham side had chances of their own, including going close through the dangerous Harry Wilson, and teenage talent Josh King, who had an effort tipped over the bar by David Raya, Cottagers boss Marco Silva admitted: “Arsenal are in a great moment — a tough side to play against.”

Next up for Arsenal is the return of the Champions League, when they host eminent La Liga side Atletico Madrid tomorrow.

As for this effervescent Fulham that Silva has assiduously assembled, they will play far worse and win this season.