Arsenal host Fulham in a Premier League London derby at the Emirates Stadium today. The Gunners have picked up maximum points from their opening two games but have not looked quite as convincing as they’d like just yet. Still, that is the mark of a great team, one who can win without necessarily playing all too well.
Their win over the Cottagers on this ground last season went a long way into showing the newfound resilience of Mikel Arteta’s team, a trait they will need to rely on heavily if they are to challenge for the title again.
Fulham started the season well with a win over Everton but were thrashed by bitter rivals Brentford last time out. After a difficult summer, you get the feeling their campaign could still go either way. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog! Malik Ouzia will be providing expert analysis from the ground!
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Arsenal vs Fulham: Relentless from the Gunners
38 mins: It’s like they’re playing for a late winner in a cup final.
Wave after wave of attack at the moment but Fulham are holding firm.
Nizaar Kinsella at the Emirates Stadium
The Emirates crowd are getting very edgy. Fulham look every bit as likely to extend their lead as Arsenal look like equalising. Fulham look much better tactically but Arsenal’s quality has created some threatening moments.
Arsenal vs Fulham: CHANCE FOR ARSENAL!
30 mins: Should be 1-1!
Trossard crosses for Saka but the England forward heads into the ground and it bounces over the bar.
Nizaar Kinsella at the Emirates Stadium
The opener was the fastest Premier League goal this season. It clocked in at 57 seconds into the match.
Nizaar Kinsella at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal are putting Fulham under real pressure now. Havertz probably most guilty of missing the best chances and not anticipating a good Saka cross.
Arsenal vs Fulham! CHANCE FOR ARSENAL!
16 mins: Lukic loses the ball, allowing Martinelli to pounce.
Quick feet from the Brazilian allows space for the shot but Leno saves.
Nizaar Kinsella at the Emirates Stadium
Fulham have done a really good job nullifying what’s effectively a front five for Arsenal. There’s a lack of movement and fluidity in the front line and Fulham keep winning back possession and delivering good quality counter punches.
Nizaar Kinsella at the Emirates Stadium
A bad miss from Kai Havertz in the 12th minute with Arsenal’s best chance of the game. Ben White’s switch of play to Leandro Trossard was the real quality that opened up Fulham.
Arsenal vs Fulham: CHANCE FOR ARSENAL!
09 mins: White spreads play to Saka, who pulls it back for Havertz but Diop does enough to put him off from close range.
Looked as if it could have been offside anyway.
Arsenal vs Fulham: Gunners growing
07 mins: A nightmare start of course but Arsenal are getting on the ball in Fulham’s half now.
They’ve certainly got previous in turning things around.