The Gunners dropped two crucial points in the Premier League title race after being held to a draw at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal’s title aspirations took a significant blow as their four-match winning streak ended with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday.

With Liverpool’s match against Everton postponed due to inclement weather the previous day, Mikel Arteta’s squad had a chance to cut the gap to four points behind the league leaders with a victory.

However, just like last season, they were frustrated by the Cottagers and had to settle for a point, as Bukayo Saka’s potential last-minute winner was ruled out by VAR.

The visitors began strongly but were caught off guard when Kenny Tete released Raul Jimenez, who finished expertly after getting behind Jakub Kiwior.

Arsenal dominated the rest of the first half but found it difficult to break down a sturdy Fulham defense, with Saka coming closest when he tested Bernd Leno following a brilliant run into the box.

An equalizer arrived early in the second half from another Arsenal set piece, with William Saliba deflecting Kai Havertz’s header in from a Declan Rice corner.

After that, Arsenal pressed for a winner, but after Thomas Partey wasted a golden chance to make it 2-1, Saka thought he had scored a late header, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to Gabriel Martinelli being offside in the build-up.

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Could do nothing with Jimenez’s excellent finish. Was largely a spectator aside from that, apart from one stop in the second half after a Fulham counter.

 

Thomas Partey (6/10):

At right-back once again due to injury problems. Saw plenty of the ball, but never really got on the overlap.

William Saliba (8/10):

 

Solid enough. Just couldn’t get over to Jimenez in time to stop him opening the scoring. Was in the right place to deflect in the equaliser.

Jakub Kiwior (5/10):

Raul Jimenez got behind him for Fulham’s early goal. Another tough afternoon for him at Craven Cottage, although he did improve after the interval.

 

Jurrien Timber (7/10):

Moved across again to cover at left-back. Just never looks as comfortable over there, despite being able to do the job.

Midfield

Jorginho (6/10):

Composed as always in the midfield, but couldn’t really impact things from an attacking sense.

 

Declan Rice (7/10):

Went close with one effort in the first half which went past the far post. Drove Arsenal forward in the second half.

Martin Odegaard (5/10):

 

Fulham did well to limit his impact. Seemed to pick up a knock early on which caused him problems.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Probably Arsenal’s brightest player. Tough battle against Robinson, who did well, but Saka still looked the most likely to make things happen for Arsenal. Unlucky not to have won it late on when his header was ruled out.

Kai Havertz (5/10):

Never really in the game. Lacked intent at times when Arsenal put balls into the box, but it was his header that led to Saliba’s equaliser.

Leandro Trossard (5/10):

Was a passenger at times, with Arsenal preferring to attack down the right side. Always left him on the fringes of things.

Subs & Manager

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

His arrival did inject a bit more energy and threat down the left side. Thought he had set up the winner late on, but was ruled to be inches offside after a VAR check.

Gabriel Jesus (5/10):

Strangely opted not to at least attempt to get on the end of Rice’s scooped pass. His lack of confidence is clear.

Mikel Merino (5/10):

Replaced the tiring Jorginho, but never really got into the game.

Ethan Nwaneri (N/A):

On for Odegaard for the final 10 minutes.

Mikel Arteta (6/10):

Opted to switch Timber to left-back to cover for the injured Zinchenko and to play Partey at right-back. That seemed to unbalance Arsenal, especially in the first half.