Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League as Leandro Trossard's goal from a corner clinched a hard-fought win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
2025/2026 Premier League
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Match Report
Having been replaced by Manchester City after their win over Everton earlier in the day, the Gunners moved three points clear at the summit after eight games of their campaign.
After a slow start, Riccardo Calafiori picked out the top-left corner with a sensational strike in the 18th minute, but the goal was ruled out for an offside against the Italian.
Harry Wilson then came close to opening the scoring but could only fire wide of David Raya's near post after collecting Alex Iwobi's drilled pass inside the Arsenal penalty area.
The lively Josh King almost caught Raya out soon after, with the visiting goalkeeper forced to tip a cross-shot over the bar as Declan Rice shot wide in first-half stoppage time.
A quiet opening period from Viktor Gyokeres almost sparked into life after he was fed by Bukayo Saka, but his right-footed shot from a tight angle was blocked by Bernd Leno.
Arsenal's bright start after the restart was rewarded in the 58th minute when Gabriel Magalhaes nodded Saka's inviting corner to the back post for Trossard to knee over the line.
Saka then thought he had won his side a penalty eight minutes later after being tripped by Fulham substitute Kevin in the box, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
That moment was the closest either side came until the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Leno was on hand to deny Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli's attempts.
Arsenal pulled further clear of champions Liverpool ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Sunday. Fulham, meanwhile, are down in 14th.
Three BIG points pic.twitter.com/7lKNx7n9wt
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 18, 2025
Data Debrief: Arsenal grind out huge three points
Arteta and Arsenal knew the importance of all three points against a side they have often struggled against in recent years, though they could not get going from an attacking perspective before the break.
But they were able to find their groove after the break through a familiar routine. Arsenal have now scored more goals from corners (seven) than any other side in the Premier League this season, with this their 63rd since the start of 2021-22. No other side has more than 47.
And the decisive moment came from Trossard, who has now been involved in seven goals across his last 12 games for Arsenal in all competitions (three goals, four assists), with this his first goal in nine starts since April last season against Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta's team were worthy of their win, ending the game with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.88 from their 16 shots to Fulham's 0.44 from their nine attempts. Indeed, this was the first time since November 2003 that the Gunners did not face a shot on target in successive Premier League games.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
0' Highlight from Fulham vs Arsenal
10' A defender blocks the ball on the line after a snap shot from Raul Jimenez
15' Calafiori's goal is disallowed because it is offside
25' Harry Wilson unleashing a great drive, but it goes inches wide
30' Joshua King sends a teasing cross into the area, but Raya intercepts the ball
36' Bernd Leno pulls off a great save to deny Viktor Gyökeres
37' Calafiori latches on to a cross from the wing, but his strike goes over the bar
40' Match Event for Fulham vs Arsenal
42' Joachim Andersen is substituted due to injury, Issa Diop comes on
49' Saka goes on a solo run but he fails to create a chance as a defender blocks him
56' Highlight from Fulham vs Arsenal
59' GOAL! Trossard fires the rebound into the middle of the net! Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
64' Saka's effort is saved by the keeper
68' Saka is down in the box, but no penalty after a VAR check!
80' Gyokeres sends his effort high over the bar!
Line-ups
Fulham XI: Tom Cairney, Leno, Jimenez, Andersen, Iwobi, Castagne, Harry Wilson, Berge, Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca, Josh King
Subs: Benjamin Lecomte, Tete, Traore, Harrison Reed, Diop, Smith Rowe, Calvin Bassey, Kevin, Jonah Kusi-Asare
Arsenal XI: Trossard, David Raya, Rice, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel, Eberechi Eze, Martín Zubimendi, Saliba, Saka, Timber, Calafiori
Subs: Christian Nørgaard, Kepa, Merino, Ben White, Martinelli, Cristhian Mosquera, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman