The Gunners hosted Fulham at the Emirates for their third Premier League match of the season. Unfortunately, Arsenal dropped points in a frustrating 2-2 draw. This puts them behind Manchester City in the title race already. Let’s dive deeper.
Arsenal 23-24 Match 3: The Defense Was Subpar
Arsenal defended quite well against Crystal Palace last week. However, the Gunners did not replicate that defensive performance against Fulham. The Gunners only allowed Fulham to get three shots on target, but conceded two goals as a result of those three shots.
This is unacceptable, especially the first goal, which Arsenal conceded in the first minute of the game. The lapse in concentration from the Arsenal defense cannot happen again. On a related note, Partey should never play at right-back again.
Arteta experimented by playing Partey there and it doesn’t work. It’s time to move on from that. Arsenal’s defense did not prove anywhere near good enough against Fulham.
Arsenal’s Midfield Dominated Possession and Created Chances
In contrast to the Gunners’ defense, the midfield played quite well. The Gunners won the midfield battle and were able to dominate possession 71% to 29%. Rice and Havertz aided in accomplishing this. This made it difficult for Fulham to create chances.
Additionally, Arsenal created plenty of chances of their own. Arsenal had 11 shots on goal. Odegaard is already picking up where he left off last season.
Fabio Vieira came on and changed the game. He won the penalty and assisted Nketiah’s goal. Vieira is starting to come into his own at Arsenal.
The draw was not the fault of the midfield.
Arsenal 23-24 Match 3: Arsenal’s Attack Was Far from Clinical in Front of Goal
The Gunners’ attack managed 11 shots on target, but only scored twice. This is also unacceptable. Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka scored for Arsenal against Fulham.
With 11 shots on target, two goals is far from adequate. Arsenal’s attack needs to be much more clinical in front of goal. Gabriel Jesus returning soon should help with this.
Man of the Match: Fabio Vieira
Fabio Vieira is the Man of the Match for Arsenal against Fulham this week. Vieira won the penalty, assisted Nketiah’s goal, and injected some real energy into the Gunners. Viera is surely disappointed that Arsenal didn’t hold on for the win, but he should be happy with his performance.
6/10 Manager Rating for Arteta
Arteta receives a 6/10 manager rating this week. Arsenal was caught out early again, wasn’t clinical enough in front of goal, and Partey at right-back continues to hurt the team. Arteta needs to move Partey out of that position immediately. Arteta has to do a better job moving forward.
Arsenal Play Manchester United Next
The Gunners play Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium next. Arsenal must bounce back from this draw. It is a good bet that Arsenal will win at home this time, as they have often done against United in recent years.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.