Premier League 2025-26, Arsenal edge past Fulham 1-0: Key stats
What's the story
Arsenal have taken a major step in the Premier League title race by beating Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Matchday 8. The Gunners are now three points clear at the top of the table, thanks to Leandro Trossard's goal from a corner kick. The win also marked Arsenal's 50th goal from a corner since the start of the 2022/23 season, highlighting their prowess in dead-ball situations. Here's more.
Match highlights
A tough battle for the Gunners
Despite being a tough opponent for Arsenal in their previous two meetings at Craven Cottage, Fulham put up a strong fight. However, they failed to create clear chances with Harry Wilson missing the best opportunities. On the other hand, Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres was denied twice by Bernd Leno and also missed another chance in the second half.
Controversy
Trossard's corner goal seals the win for Arsenal
Arsenal also had a penalty overturned after Kevin was initially deemed to have fouled Bukayo Saka. However, Trossard's close-range corner goal proved decisive for the visitors. The win was Arsenal's fifth clean sheet of the season with Gabriel and William Saliba playing key roles in defense. David Raya was also vital on goal.
Future prospects
Arsenal extend lead at the top of the table
Arsenal's win puts them three points clear of Manchester City and four ahead of Liverpool. The Gunners showed resilience in a tough away game, which is crucial for any team hoping to win the league. They own 19 points from 8 matches (W6 D1 L1). Arsenal have a goal difference of +12. For Fulham, who lost Joachim Andersen to a first-half injury, this defeat marks their third consecutive loss and leaves them at 14th place in the Premier League standings.
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Gabriel makes this record
As per Squawka, since he joined Arsenal in 2020-21, Gabriel is the only centre-back to be directly involved in 20 Premier League goals. He registered his 2nd assist tonight. In addition, he has scored 18 goals.
Saka
Saka makes his presence felt
Saka is the first player to create 5+ chances, complete 5+ take-ons and win 5+ fouls in a Premier League game since Jack Grealish in February 2020. As per Squawka, he won the Most duels against Fulham (14). He also clocked the most touches in opp. box (13). Saka won possession 10 times and created the most chance (6). He also completed the most take-ons (6).
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47th Premier League goal for Trossard
Former Brighton ace Trossard made his 214th Premier League appearance. He netted his 47th goal (A32). 22 of his Premier League goals have come for Arsenal in 98 appearances.
Match stats
A look at the match stats
Fulham failed to clock a shot on target from 9 attempts. As per Opta, Arsenal haven't faced a shot on target in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since November in their last title winning season of 2003-04, with the second game in that run also coming against Fulham. Meawnhile, Arsenal managed 5 shots on target from 16 attempts. They had 63% ball possession.