Arsenal trapped by Fulham, Tottenham ends the year well

2023-12-31 19:10:56

By Le Figaro

Published yesterday at 5:08 p.m., Updated yesterday at 6:10 p.m.

Saka’s disappointment. PETER CZIBORRA / REUTERS

The Gunners fell this Sunday to Fulham (2-1) while Spurs dominated Bournemouth (3-1).

Arsenal went a third match without a win by losing 2-1 at neighbor Fulham on Sunday, Matchday 20, which saw the Gunners fall off the podium and their quest for the title take a turn for the worse.

Defeated Thursday at home by West Ham (2-0), in the other London derby, Mikel Arteta’s players seem to be running out of steam. Against their neighbor to the south of the capital, they conceded their third defeat in the last five league matches. Not ideal with a view to winning the championship title which has eluded Arsenal since the coronation of the “Invincibles” in 2004. And yet, the talented Bukayo Saka had superbly started this meeting by opening the score in the 4th minute of play On the lookout, the England international emerged to victoriously catch a ball released by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, a former Arsenal defender.

But while the Gunners seemed to hold the match, a rapid transition initiated by Willian, omnipresent, on the left side was concluded with coolness by Mexican striker Raul Jimenez with the flat of his foot to put the two teams back on level terms (28th). This goal stunned Mikel Arteta’s men who then displayed a glaring excitement in each transition from the Cottagers.

Shortly before the hour mark, they ended up breaking on a harmless corner poorly cleared by a defense still absent: De Cordova-Reid, taking advantage of the mess, crucified poor Raya to give an advantage which proved to be definitive for Marco Silva’s men (59th).

Hugo Lloris celebrated

Three minutes later, Bukayo Saka, found alone at six meters, completely missed his volley. At 2-1 a violent deluge fell on Craven Cottage and buried Arsenal’s desire for a comeback despite a surge at the end of the match, their attackers illustrating themselves with a major technical waste, preventing them from improving a few dangerous situations in the opposing camp. Conversely, it was Pereira who scored the knockout ball with a free kick pushed back by the crossbar while Raya was beaten (88th).

This second London derby lost in three days chases Arsenal off the podium in favor of Manchester City, winners the day before of bottom-place Sheffield United (2-0). The reigning champion now has 40 points, as many as Arsenal but with a game in hand and is ahead of the Gunners on goal difference (+24, against +17).

Thanks to this unexpected success, the Cottagers, who had a great match but undoubtedly helped by the defensive flaws of their opponent, climbed to 13th place in the championship with 24 points. In the other match of the day, Tottenham returned to the race for the podium by dominating Bournemouth (3-1) with goals from Pape Matar Sarr (9th), Heung-min Son (71st) and Richarlison (80th) . Alex Scott saved the Cherries’ honor six minutes from the end of normal time. The former teammates of Hugo Lloris, celebrated on Sunday at the stadium for his farewell to Tottenham, now occupy 5th place in the ranking with 39 pts.