To end 2023 on a good note, Arsenal traveled to Fulham and had the opportunity to spend the holidays as Premier League leaders if they won. And after a defeat against West Ham (0-2), Mikel Arteta decided to leave Jesus on the bench and align Havertz and Nketiah alongside Martinelli and Saka. A choice that paid off very quickly, since very good work from Martinelli allowed the Gunners to offer themselves a first strike blocked by Leno… who pushed back directly on Saka for the opener (1-0, 4th).
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A perfect start to the match, but the goal conceded sounded like a wake-up call for the Cottagers. And on a ball lost by the scorer Saka, Cairney could take advantage of it to find Jimenez in the area, who then equalized (1-1, 28th). Everything had to be done again for the Gunners, manhandled by an uninhibited Fulham team and with a furious Willian. Upon returning from the locker room, nothing improved and a corner from the inevitable Willian undermined the Gunners’ defense, which, after a disagreement, offered Reid the means to take the lead (2-1, 59th).
Tottenham reassures itself
The end of the match then heated up, with chances on all sides. But Arsenal then came close to the knockout after a free kick from Pereira hit the crossbar (86th). The Gunners then pushed for a draw, but could do nothing. The London club therefore goes on to a third match without a victory and remains in 4th place, with one more match over Liverpool and Manchester City. A very bad operation from Mikel Arteta’s men before facing Liverpool in the FA Cup. For its part, Fulham moved up to 13th place.
In the other meeting of the evening, Tottenham had to revive after their heavy defeat at Brighton (2-4) and before a shock against Manchester United. Opposed to Bournemouth, Spurs quickly opened the scoring thanks to Sarr at the start of the match (1-0, 9th). Success was then assured thanks to Son (2-0, 72nd), then Richarlison (3-0, 80th). Scott’s reduction in score will not change anything (3-1, 84th) and the Spurs won to return to fifth place, one point behind the Gunners. Bournemouth are 13th, before receiving Liverpool.
