Arsenal Aims to Continue Winning Run Against Fulham
With four consecutive victories under their belt, Arsenal travels to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, aiming to avenge their New Year's Eve defeat. This match marks a significant challenge for the Gunners, who will be keen to maintain their impressive form against a team that posed a substantial threat last season. The atmosphere is set for a thrilling London derby.
Fulham's Strong Start and Arsenal's Bogey Team
Fulham’s current position in the top half of the table underscores their strength, thanks partly to several players previously associated with Arsenal. Despite the familiar faces, Arsenal will be determined to secure victory at Fulham's home ground. This match is crucial for the Gunners as they prepare for a demanding week, balancing European and domestic commitments. Fulham's quiet dominance should not be underestimated.
Fulham's Impressive Form
Fulham’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. Their only loss came on opening day against Manchester United—a game they still managed to score in. Eleven points from their next five games propelled them into the top six, despite a winless October. Following that, their resilience shone through as they pulled off an exceptional late comeback to beat Brentford, getting their campaign back on track. A recent 3-1 victory over Brighton further highlights their offensive prowess, with Alex Iwobi netting a brace, taking his season tally to five goals.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
The clash between Arsenal and Fulham promises a strategic battle. Adrian Clarke highlights Fulham's well-rounded approach: pressing, passing, and attacking constantly. They've demonstrated a commitment to attack, having more shots than Arsenal in the league this season. Their aerial game is a key element, too, leading the league in successful crosses, many originating from Andreas Pereira’s excellent set pieces. The duel between Antonee Robinson and Bukayo Saka promises to be particularly intense. Emile Smith Rowe’s contributions in Fulham's midfield, and scoring three Premier League goals this season, add another layer of complexity for Arsenal to consider.
Assessing Arsenal's Strengths and Weaknesses
While Fulham's strengths are notable, their potential weaknesses are not overlooked. A possible vulnerability lies in their defensive midfield, although this hasn't significantly hindered them thus far. The injury to key centre-back Joachim Andersen, however, represents a blow to their defence. Arteta’s comments reveal Arsenal’s unwavering ambition: “We just want to get better, and whatever we do…is not good enough. We can still improve a lot.” This reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Injury Concerns and Team News
Both teams face injury concerns impacting their squad selection. For Arsenal, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness is uncertain, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined due to knee injuries. Gabriel Jesus is also on the brink of suspension. Fulham will miss Reiss Nelson (ineligible and injured), Tom Cairney (suspended), and Harrison Reed and Joachim Anderson (injured). Sasa Lukic is back available for Fulham after serving a suspension. The availability of these key players will significantly influence the match outcome.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Last season's encounters highlight the potential challenges Arsenal faces. They failed to secure a win against Fulham in either Premier League match, extending their winless streak against the Cottagers to a duration rivaled only by a four-game stretch between 2011 and 2012. Fulham's impressive undefeated run in eight league London derbies adds to the pressure. Conversely, Arsenal’s recent dominance in London derbies, winning seven of their last eight matches and scoring five or more goals in four of those, demonstrates their strength. The statistics highlight the fine margins of such intense contests.
The Importance of Set Pieces
The importance of set-pieces is worth noting. Arsenal's set-piece prowess— scoring more goals from corners and set plays than any other Premier League team since last season—presents a considerable threat to Fulham. Marco Silva acknowledges Arsenal’s capabilities: “Probably [Arsenal] are going to be even more aware...because they are in a great moment.” He correctly underscores the difficulty in facing Arsenal’s current form.
The Referee and a Crucial Match
Chris Kavanagh will referee the match, having previously officiated Arsenal's draw against Brighton. His record suggests a potential influence on the game's flow. The match holds significant implications for both teams' aspirations. Every point is crucial, especially with Liverpool also in contention at the top of the table. While Arsenal are favorites, Fulham's potential for an upset in a London derby cannot be dismissed. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 2 PM UK time, with streaming options available for international viewers. Coverage will be available from Arsenal.com and the official app, with the usual commentary team in place. The match is poised to be a fierce contest, and the result will have considerable impact on the Premier League standings. The anticipation is palpable. The focus is sharp. The outcome, uncertain.
