Arsenal’s hopes of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool were frustrated as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham. Though extending their run of scoring in London derbies to 18 games, the Gunners missed out on the chance to make real ground in the title race.
The visitors started brightly, with Declan Rice whipping in an early corner that William Saliba headed wide. But Fulham struck against the run of play in the 11th minute as Raúl Jiménez latched onto a through ball and unleashed a clinical strike into the bottom corner to give the hosts a surprise lead.
Arsenal dominated possession but failed to turn their dominance into goals as both Rice’s half-volley and Bukayo Saka were denied by former Gunners keeper Bernd Leno. Eight minutes into the second period, Arsenal finally drew level through another set piece. A corner from Rice was headed across by Kai Havertz for Saliba to tap in his second goal in as many games.
The Gunners pressed for a winner, with Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey missing key chances, while Fulham’s Andreas Pereira forced a sharp save from David Raya on the counter. Arsenal thought they had snatched victory when Saka headed in late, but Gabriel Martinelli was ruled offside.
The draw leaves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool.
