Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in stunning fashion with a ruthless victory at Fulham.
Mikel Arteta’s side responded to Manchester City’s narrow victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday night by wrapping up the win by half-time when they led 3-0 with a devastating attacking display.
A Gabriel Martinelli goal had already been narrowly ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR), before defender Gabriel headed in Leandro Troussard’s corner after 21 minutes – one of the Belgian’s three assists. First from
Troissard then crossed for Martinelli to beat the static Anthony Robinson to head home at the far post five minutes later, before setting up captain Martin Odegaard’s cool finish in first-half stoppage time.
Fulham created a late threat after the break as visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale denied Bobby de Cordova’s red, while Tosun Adarabio headed against the woodwork.
Arsenal, however, were always in control and Arteta was able to reintroduce influential striker Gabriel Jesus for the first time since he underwent knee surgery for a 13-minute cameo while playing for Brazil against Cameroon at the World Cup. There was a need.
Trossard stands out as the Gunners pass another test.
It had all the earmarks of an effective fixture for Arsenal given Fulham’s impressive campaign and the pressure to cut their lead behind Manchester City to two points.
But, once again, the steel, character and skill that has characterized their season was on show.
Troissard’s £21m capture from Brighton in January looked increasingly shrewd in the week and he ran riot down Fulham’s right, playing the role of creator-in-chief in his place before standing off in the closing stages.
Arsenal have been presented with tests of various kinds on a regular basis in their impressive bid to win their first title since 2004 – and they passed them with flying colours.
The Gunners dug deep to beat Bournemouth in the 97th minute of last weekend’s game at the Emirates Stadium, where they dominated a weakened Fulham from the first whistle. Sealed.
Manchester City asked the question with a win at Selhurst Park. Arsenal responded with a fifth straight Premier League win at Craven Cottage.
Fulham in danger of relegation
Marco Silva’s Fulham have been a fantastic addition to the top flight this season – given a surprise package that has seen them tipped by many as relegation favourites.
Here, however, they fell well short of the standards they set themselves and the comprehensive defeat capped a disappointing week after losing the West London derby at Brentford on Monday.
Things were about to slow down with two of their most influential players missing, Willian out with a back injury and Joao Palinha suspended. The goals have also dried up for key marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has 11 this season, but last netted in January.
After a below par display, Fulham only came alive after the break when the game was effectively over.
Currently in eighth place, they have done well enough to put themselves in contention for European football next season.
Silva’s main task now is to ensure that the campaign does not end in an anticlimax.
