Eddie Nketiah scored a dramatic late equaliser as Arsenal rescued a 1-1 draw to dent Fulham's Premier League survival hopes.
2020/2021 Premier League
1-1
Match Report
Scott Parker's side came into the game seven points adrift of safety having played a game more than Burnley in 17th, and they thought their task was about to become even harder when Dani Ceballos converted Hector Bellerin's cross just before half-time.
However, VAR came to their rescue and the goal was ruled out because of an incredibly tight offside decision against Bukayo Saka.
Fulham defended resolutely against the Gunners and were hoping for one chance to fall their way, and it did midway through the second half when Gabriel Magalhaes brought down Mario Lemina inside the penalty area. The incident survived a VAR review for offside and Josh Maja stepped up to emphatically convert the penalty as Parker's men looked on course for what would be a crucial three points.
However, after repelling nearly everything the Gunners threw at them with a superb defensive performance, Fulham buckled in the final stages of seven minutes of injury-time, Nketiah poking home from close range to rescue a 1-1 draw.
The result means Fulham are now six points behind Burnley, who have the chance to stretch that gap when they take on Manchester United on Super Sunday.
Meanwhile, despite the point, it was a disappointing afternoon for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side after they booked their place in the Europa League semi-final in midweek with a thumping win at Slavia Prague. The Gunners stay ninth with their chances of European qualification through the league now looking extremely difficult.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
2' MISS! Martinelli's shot inches wide
22' CHANCE! Smith Rowe's long shot over the bar
39' OFFSIDE! Ceballos' goal disallowed
46' OFFSIDE AGAIN! Martinelli's goal disallowed
55' CLOSE! Saka's shot hits the post
58' Penalty Goal! Arsenal 0-1 Fulham (Maja)
67' CLOSE! Bellerin's header inches wide
71' Adarabioyo makes goal-line clearance to deny Pepe
88' CLOSE! Saka's long shot wide out
96' GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Fulham (Nketiah)
Line-ups
Arsenal XI: Lacazette, Xhaka, Ryan, M.Elneny, Bellerin, Ceballos, Holding, Gabriel, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Saka
Subs: Willian, Leno, Cedric, Mari, Chambers, Partey, Pepe, Nelson, Nketiah
Fulham XI: Areola, Lemina, B. De Cordova-Reid, Ivan Cavaleiro, Andersen, Aina, T.Adarabioyo, Anguissa, A. Robinson, Lookman, J. Maja
Subs: D. Odoi, Fabri, T. Ream, M. Hector, J. Bryan, Mitrovic, Loftus-Cheek, J. Onomah, H. Reed