Leandro Trossard’s second-half strike proved decisive as Arsenal edged past a resilient Fulham side to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Manager Mikel Arteta was without skipper Martin Ødegaard and handed a start to Eberechi Eze, opting for a more attacking setup. But it was Fulham who looked sharper early on, with Harry Wilson and Josh King both testing David Raya — the latter forcing the Arsenal goalkeeper into a fine fingertip save.
Arsenal gradually found their rhythm and thought they had broken the deadlock when Riccardo Calafiori finished off a well-worked move, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
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The Gunners came out firing after the break, dominating possession and pinning Fulham deep in their own half. Their persistence finally paid off in the 58th minute when Gabriel glanced on Bukayo Saka’s corner, allowing Trossard to slot home at the back post.
Saka later appeared to have earned a penalty, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
The hard-fought 1–0 victory lifts Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City, who had briefly gone top after their win over Everton earlier on Saturday. Liverpool remain four points adrift in third and will look to close the gap when they face Manchester United on Sunday.
