Arsenal and Fulham engaged in an intense 2-2 draw at Arsenal’s home ground, with the away team scoring a late goal to prevent Mikel Arteta’s side from temporarily securing the top spot in the Premier League on Saturday.
As a result, Arsenal remains in second place with seven points, trailing just behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur based on goal difference.
Fulham’s Andreas Pereira opened the scoring in the first minute, but Arsenal made a swift recovery during an eventful two-minute period in the second half. Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah each found the net, swinging the momentum in favor of Arsenal.
Despite losing Calvin Bassey to a red card in the 83rd minute and being reduced to 10 players, Fulham managed to salvage a draw. João Palhinha capitalized on a corner kick to score the equalizer.
Palhinha shared his perspective on the match, expressing, “While it’s disappointing not to secure a win, I consider it a positive outcome.” He commended his team’s tenacity against a formidable opponent like Arsenal and emphasized their commitment, even when playing with a numerical disadvantage.
The game commenced with a surprise goal as Pereira exploited a defensive error by Saka, capitalizing on goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s positioning to score from a distance of nearly 30 meters, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Saka, fueled by this setback, generated numerous opportunities throughout the first half. His skillful play led to a penalty when Kenny Tete fouled Fabio Vieira in the penalty box. Saka confidently converted the penalty, equalizing the score amidst challenging rainy conditions.
Merely two minutes later, Arsenal completed their turnaround as Vieira delivered a cross that substitute Nketiah adeptly converted into a goal.
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Despite Bassey’s ill-advised foul on Nketiah, resulting in Fulham’s reduced manpower, Palhinha’s precise half-volley from a corner kick in the 87th minute enabled Fulham to level the score, clinching a point for Marco Silva’s squad.
