Fulham v Arsenal Live Commentary & Result, 12/03/2023, Premier League

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	MCI Manchester City	38	28	5	5	94	33	+61	89	L D W W W
2	ARS Arsenal	38	26	6	6	88	43	+45	84	W L L W W
3	MUN Manchester United	38	23	6	9	58	43	+15	75	W W W W L
4	NEW Newcastle United	38	19	14	5	68	33	+35	71	D D W D L
5	LIV Liverpool	38	19	10	9	75	47	+28	67	D D W W W
6	BHA Brighton & Hove Albion	38	18	8	12	72	53	+19	62	L D W L W
7	AVL Aston Villa	38	18	7	13	51	46	+5	61	W D W L L
8	TOT Tottenham Hotspur	38	18	6	14	70	63	+7	60	W L L W L
9	BRE Brentford	38	15	14	9	58	46	+12	59	W W W L W
10	FUL Fulham	38	15	7	16	55	53	+2	52	L D W W L
11	CRY Crystal Palace	38	11	12	15	40	49	-9	45	D D W L W
12	CHE Chelsea	38	11	11	16	38	47	-9	44	D L L D W
13	WOL Wolverhampton Wanderers	38	11	8	19	31	58	-27	41	L D L W L
14	WHU West Ham United	38	11	7	20	42	55	-13	40	L W L W L
15	BOU AFC Bournemouth	38	11	6	21	37	71	-34	39	L L L L W
16	NFO Nottingham Forest	38	9	11	18	38	68	-30	38	D W D W L
17	EVE Everton	38	8	12	18	34	57	-23	36	W D L W D
18	LEI Leicester City	38	9	7	22	51	68	-17	34	W D L L D
19	LEE Leeds United	38	7	10	21	48	78	-30	31	L L D L L
20	SOU Southampton	38	6	7	25	36	73	-37	25	D L L L L

That's all for today. Goodbye.

Arsenal can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points when they face Crystal Palace next weekend. However, their focus will be on their Europa League game against Sporting during the week. As for Fulham, their attention turns to the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Silva's side travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

Trossard registered a hat-trick of first-half assists to help Arsenal secure a comfortable victory over Fulham. VAR denied Arteta's side the lead when Robinson scored an own goal on 16 minutes, with Martinelli in an offside position in the build-up. However, moments after being denied the opener, Gabriel powered in Trossard's corner to break Fulham's resolve. Martinelli then added a second with a downward header, before Odegaard found a third moments before the break. He controlled Trossard's cross from the left before lashing his effort into the bottom corner. Fulham were better after the break and could have scored a consolation through Mitrovic, but the striker rattled the bar with a header. Jesus then went close to scoring on his return but struck his shot straight at Leno.

90' + 5' FULL-TIME: FULHAM 0-3 ARSENAL

90' + 4' Vieira trips over his own feet and gets a free-kick. If he did not fall, he would have been one-on-one with Leno.

90' + 2' Robinson loops a cross into the box with the ball going off Mitrovic to James. He tries to get the ball back across to the striker, but Gabriel gets across to block it.

90' + 1' There will be three minutes of additional time.

90' Nelson's inswinging corner is met by Mitrovic. He heads it out to Vieira with the substitute having his low shot blocked by Reed.

88' Tierney plays the ball down the left flank to Nelson. The winger is quick, turning past Adarabioyo before cutting the ball back to Odegaard who shoots over.

87' Reed sets the ball to Wilson outside the box. The former Liverpool man takes it on his chest before shooting over.

85' SAVE! Jesus could have made it a dream return in an Arsenal shirt. He flicks the ball around the corner with Vieira carrying it to the edge of the box before playing it back to the striker. Free on the right, his shot from inside the box is tame with Leno making the save.

83' James tries to play a quick throughball down the left flank but De Cordova-Reid does not make the run. Arsenal have the ball back.

81' Nelson has his first shot of the game. His free-kick from distance hits the foot of Partey and goes well wide.

T. Tomiyasu

B. White

80' Arsenal make their final substitution of the game. It's a straight swap at right-back with Tomiyasu replacing White.

79' Jesus plays the ball into Nelson and wants the return pass as he rushes into the middle of the box, but the Arsenal winger turns back and the chance is gone.

Fábio Vieira

Gabriel Martinelli

77' Martinelli has a goal to his name and is now making his way off the pitch. Vieira, who started against Sporting, gets a chance in the Premier League.

Gabriel Jesus

L. Trossard

77' After getting three assists to his name, Trossard is replaced. Jesus makes his first appearance since before the World Cup.

H. Wilson

Andreas Pereira

76' Pereira has had a bright second half but has been unable to get a goal or an assist to his name. Wilson is given the final 14 minutes to make an impact.

D. James

M. Solomon

75' Fulham make their first change of the game. James comes on at left wing with Solomon given a rest.

75' Pereira chips the ball into the box with Adarabioyo bursting in from the right flank. His header is pushed away by Ramsdale with Tete crashing the rebound over the bar.

M. Ødegaard

Yellow Card

74' Odegaard is the first Arsenal player to receive a yellow card after a tactical foul on the edge of the box.

73' Before today, Nelson had made just three Premier League appearances this season (all as a sub), playing just 85 minutes across these games. However, he's chalked up five goal involvements in these matches (three goals, two assists), and became just the second player to both score and assist a goal in two different games as a sub within a single season, after Vladimir Smicer in 2001-02.

R. Nelson

B. Saka

72' Nelson scored the winner in Arsenal's last game and is now replacing Saka.

K. Tierney

O. Zinchenko

72' Arsenal make their first change of the game with Zinchenko coming off. Tierney is given some rare minutes at left-back.

70' BAR! That's the closest that Fulham have come to scoring a goal. Mitrovic rattles the bar after getting on the end of a corner from the right.

68' Pereira drives into the middle of the pitch before poking it to De Cordova-Reid. Gabriel can't stretch far enough to intercept the pass with Ramsdale getting low to push away his strike from a tight angle.

66' Good move from Arsenal. Martinelli plays the ball inside to Odegaard, who drives a pass to the edge of the box with Xhaka waiting. The midfielder then flicks it out to the left with Martinelli rushing forward. His goal-bound shot is then blocked by Adarabioyo.

65' Solomon has scored in each of his last five appearances for Fulham across all competitions (five goals). Coming into the weekend, the only Premier League players who have recorded a longer scoring streak in 2022-23 are Erling Haaland (10) and Marcus Rashford (seven). He has been kept quiet by White today with Arsenal's right-back stopping him from moving inside from the left flank.

63' Pereira cuts inside from the left flank and approaches the edge of the box before curling a shot well over the bar.

63' The Arsenal fans want a penalty after Saka goes down in the box under the challenge of Robinson. However, nothing is given and the game continues.

61' Zinchenko gets lucky. Ream fires the ball forward with Mitrovic keeping it away from Saliba. The striker twists to the right and curls it over to De Cordova-Reid. He gets behind Zinchenko but cannot get it under control.

60' Saka flicks the ball to Trossard, who runs onto the pass looking to keep it under control. However, Reed gets back and pokes it away from the Arsenal man.

58' Saka's inswinging corner from the right finds Martinelli. The Brazil international slams his shot against a Fulham defender, who rushes out to block.

56' Fulham look like a completely different side in the second half and are pinning Arsenal into their own third. The Gunners are holding a low block and are not allowing Fulham to advance the ball into their box.

54' Adarabioyo plays a short pass into the feet of De Cordova-Reid, who turns on the ball before curling a low cross into the box. Mitrovic tries to get ahead of Saliba, but cannot get the ball under control with it rolling to Ramsdale.

52' Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League matches when leading at half-time (winning 18, drawing one) dating back to January 1, 2022 against Manchester City (lost 2-1). However, they have been poor after the restart with Fulham looking to get back into the game.

50' Ramsdale is now down after clashing with Mitrovic. He punched De Cordova-Reid's cross away before colliding with the striker, but gets up without needing any medical assistance.

48' Pereira's inswinging cross is clawed away by Ramsdale. The goalkeeper collides with Saliba and the defender needs treatment. However, he will be able to continue.

47' A bright start from the home side. Reed bursts down the right and puts a low cross into the box looking for Pereira. Arriving in the box, he drags his low attempt wide with his effort deflecting off Gabriel.

46' Fulham get the game back under way.

Fulham have been poor in the first 45 minutes and should count themselves lucky that they are not further behind. Arsenal have passed it around them with ease and have constantly found space down the left flank with Tete getting outnumbered. They look lost without Palhinha in the midfield and will be looking forward to his return in their next game. As for the away side, they have been excellent and will want to get back on the pitch to increase their advantage in the game.

Trossard got three assists before the break to help Arsenal secure a comfortable lead over Fulham. The away side thought they had taken the lead when Robinson diverted the ball into his own net, but after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed for an offside in the build-up. However, they scored soon after. Trossard's inswinging corner found Gabriel, with the defender powering his downward header past Leno. Martinelli doubled Arsenal's advantage, getting ahead of Robinson to put away Trossard's inviting cross. The Belgium international then completed his hat-trick of assists in stoppage time, chipping the ball over to Odegaard, who chested it down before crashing his shot into the bottom corner.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: FULHAM 0-3 ARSENAL

L. Trossard

Assist

45' + 2' Trossard completes his hat-trick of assists moments before the break, finding Odegaard with a cross from the left. The Arsenal captain takes a touch, shifting the ball onto his left foot, before lashing his strike into the bottom corner.

M. Ødegaard

Goal

45' + 2' GOALLLL! 3-0 ARSENAL! It must be game over now! Martinelli slides the ball down the left side of the box with Trossard rushing on. Getting to the byline, he chips a cross to Odegaard, who chests it down before curling the ball into the bottom corner.

44' SAVE! Leno keeps the game alive for Fulham. Trossard chips the ball into the box with Saka running in. He sets it back to White, who curls a cross into the box with his left foot, finding Martinelli unmarked at the back of the box. From a tight angle, his effort goes down the middle of the goal, with Leno punching it away.

44' Ramsdale takes his time on the ball and clears it away for a Fulham throw-in. De Cordova-Reid went sliding in and almost got a touch on the ball.

43' Odegaard curls a free-kick into the box. Leno runs out to claim but Adarabioyo heads away before he can get there.

42' CHANCE FOR FULHAM! Ramsdale plays the ball straight to Pereira, who receives possession on the right side of the box. He rushes the opportunity, shooting over with Mitrovic unmarked in the middle.

40' Fulham are trying to slow the game down and stop Arsenal's momentum from growing. They are passing the ball around calmly waiting for an opening. However, when they get close to Arsenal's box, they look back to recycle the ball.

38' WIDE! Arsenal should have a third. Saka and Odegaard play a quick one-two down the right flank with Saka cutting the ball back to Martinelli. He then rolls it to Trossard, who fakes a shot to create space for himself before curling his effort wide.

37' Arsenal have won all four of their away Premier League London derbies this season by an aggregate score of 8-0. In the history of the English Football League, no side has ever won five consecutive away London derbies while keeping a clean sheet each time. They are in complete control today.

35' WHAT A MOVE! That would have been a brilliant goal from Arsenal. Odegaard plays a reverse ball inside with Xhaka letting the ball roll to Trossard. The Belgian then plays it into the feet of Xhaka who rushes into the box, but he cannot get a touch on it with Leno claiming.

33' Solomon brings Fulham their first moment of excitement in the game. He cuts inside from the left flank, getting past White before whipping the ball across the box. However, it goes wide of the target with Cordova-Reid unable to get on the end of it.

32' Fulham have lost 16 of their last 18 Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table (winning two), including each of the last nine in a row. The exceptions in this run were victories in March 2006 (vs Chelsea) and March 2009 (vs Manchester United).

30' Fulham have been lacklustre so far. They have not registered a shot and are struggling to retain the ball in the midfield. Joao Palhinha is missing through suspension with Fulham struggling in his absence.

28' Arsenal have scored 25 first-half goals in 27 games, only Manchester City (32) have scored more in the Premier League this season.

L. Trossard

Assist

27' Trossard has his second assist of the game. He took Xhaka's pass well, getting past Tete before finding Martinelli who did the rest.

Gabriel Martinelli

Goal

26' GOALLLLL! MARTINELLI SCORES! 2-0 ARSENAL! Arsenal have dominated the game and now have their second goal. Xhaka feeds the ball to Trossard who twists onto his left foot to get past Tete before crossing towards Martinelli. The winger gets in front of Robinson and puts his header into the net. That's his third goal in his last three away games.

25' Saliba saw his centre-back partner score the opener and wants a goal for himself. He unleashes a powerful effort from outside the box, but it goes well over the bar.

23' Arsenal have avoided defeat in their last 27 matches when scoring the opening goal in the Premier League dating back to 1st January 2022 against Manchester City (L1-2).

L. Trossard

Assist

22' Trossard's corner was perfect with the ball landing straight on the head of Gabriel who scores the opener.

Gabriel Magalhães

Goal

21' GOALLLL! GABRIEL SCORES! 1-0 ARSENAL! This one will count and Arsenal have the lead through Gabriel. Trossard's inswinging corner is met by the defender who powers his header from close range past Leno. That's his third goal in four appearances against Fulham.

20' A sharp save from Leno, getting down to push a sliding shot from Xhaka behind for a corner.

18' NO GOAL! The game remains level with the goal ruled out for offside. Martinelli was in an offside position running when making the run to get on the end of a one-two from Xhaka.

16' GOALLLL! ARSENAL HAVE THE LEAD BUT THERE IS A VAR CHECK! An unfortunate moment for Robinson. Martinelli and Xhaka play a quick-one two with the winger rushing down the left flank. He drives towards the goal, unleashing a curling shot from a tight angle that is pushed away by Leno. Rushing in the ball hits Robinson and ends up in the back of the Fulham net. However, there will be a VAR check for a possible offside.

14' Pereira launches a free-kick from the right into the box, but Zinchenko is there to head it away.

12' Arsenal like moving the ball from right to left. This time Odegaard and Trossard combine before the former Brighton man passes it out to Martinelli on the left side of the box. In space, he tries to slide the ball to Xhaka who makes a run towards the byline but puts too much power on it.

11' Adarabioyo looks to have lost out to Martinelli on the left wing with the Brazilian trying to go around him, but recovers to keep the ball and send it down the wing. A good moment for the defender who is starting his first game in the Premier League for over two months.

9' On the left right, Odegaard plays a short free-kick to Zinchenko with the Ukranine international passing it out to Martinelli. The Arsenal winger tries to curl a ball into the box with Gabriel running free of his marker, but it goes out for a goal-kick.

7' Xhaka and Zinchenko switch positions when Arsenal are in possession. The former Manchester City man moves inside from left-back and creates an option with Arsenal keep to keep possession for as long as possible.

5' Arsenal pass the ball around their defence well and are controlling the ball. However, a pass from Ramsdale goes under the foot of Gabriel and they give away a cheap throw-in in their half.

3' Saka makes the most of a loose touch from Ream and crosses the ball into the box from the right. Martinelli swings a boot at it but cannot get a connection on the ball.

1' Pereira launches himself into Gabriel with the Fulham man giving away a free-kick. Early signs that the home side will press with intensity in this game.

1' Arsenal get the game under way at Craven Cottage. Trossard plays the ball back to Ramsdale.

Arsenal have won 71 per cent of their Premier League games against Fulham (22/31), their highest win rate against an opponent they've faced 20+ times in the competition.

Arsenal make five changes to the team that drew with Sporting last time out. Ramsdale retains his Premier League place in the goalkeeping position with Turner back on the bench. Gabriel also returns at centre-back with Jakub Kiwior out of the squad. In the midfield, Vieira and Jorginho are replaced by Partey and Odegaard. Nelson is also out of the side, with Martinelli moving over to the left wing and Trossard starting up front. Jesus is back on the bench for the first time since the World Cup.

Fulham make two alterations to the team that lost to Brentford in their last Premier League outing. Adarabioyo partners Ream in the middle of the defence with Diop missing out. Willian, who played for Arsenal in the 2020-21 season, does not make the squad. Cordova-Reid takes his place on the right wing.

ARSENAL SUBS: Matt Turner, Kieran Tierney, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Rob Holding, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Fábio Vieira, Reiss Nelson.

ARSENAL (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli.

FULHAM SUBS: Marek Rodak, George Wickens, Harry Wilson, Dan James, Carlos Vinicius, Issa Diop, Tyrese Francois, Luke Harris, Charlie Robinson.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Kenny Tete, Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic; Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Manor Solomon; Aleksandar Mitrovic.

As for Arsenal, they can regain their five-point lead at the top of the table after second-placed Manchester City narrowly beat Crystal Palace. The Gunners are going for their first league title since 2004 and almost slipped up against relegation-threatened Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta's side went 2-0 down before a spirited comeback saw them claim their fourth successive victory. Arsenal made six changes for their Europa League game against Sporting CP midweek, showing that the Premier League is their main priority.

Fulham will overtake Newcastle United and go level on points with fifth-placed Liverpool with a win against Arsenal. Marco Silva's men will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat against Brentford in their previous fixture, a result that ended their four-game unbeaten run. However, collecting all three points will be difficult, with Fulham failing to beat Arsenal in the league for over 10 years. They are winless in their last nine meetings with Arsenal (drawing two, losing seven) since a 2-1 home win in January 2012.

Hello and welcome to the live commentary for the Premier League clash between Fulham and Arsenal.

Fulham v Arsenal Live Commentary, 12/03/2023

Key Events

Match Stats

Key

Commentary