Arsenal secured a comfortable 3-0 win against Fulham at the Craven Cottage on Sunday to restore their five point lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners started the match on the front foot just like they’ve done in most matches this season, and it didn’t take them long to put the ball in the back of the net.
Gabriel Martinelli’s curling shot was pushed away by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno but it fell onto Antonee Robinson as it made its way to the back of the net in the 16th minute. The goal however, was disallowed by VAR for offside against the Brazilian youngster.
The Gunners scored two goals in the next 10 minutes, with Gabriel Magalhães nodding past Leno from Leandro Trossard’s corner kick in the 21st minute.
The Belgian set up another simple header from Martinelli in the 26th minute before completing his hat-trick of assists by setting up his captain Martin Ødegaard a few moments before the halftime break.
Mikel Arteta’s boys went into the break leading by three goals but it could’ve been more if Granit Xhaka and Trossard had converted their chances. Fulham didn’t apply any noticeable pressure on Arsenal’s defence.
The second half was all about protecting the lead by Arsenal, as Fulham tried to pull one back. Akeksandar Mitrovic had an opportunity but his header bounced off the crossbar.
In the same game, the moment Arsenal fans had been waiting for finally arrived when Gabriel Jesus was replaced in the 77th minute. While his impact was minimal, his return comes as a boost for Arsenal who are trying to win the league for the first time since the 2003/04 season.
Manchester City had yesterday cut the point gap to two following their hard fought victory at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace, but this win restores Arsenal’s five point lead.
The Gunners will be involved in another London derby in their next game as they play Patrick Viera’s Crystal Palace on Sunday.
