Arsenal’s hopes of narrowing the gap in the Premier League title race took a hit after a frustrating 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage ended their winning streak.

The Gunners had the chance to edge closer to the top, especially after Liverpool’s clash with Everton was postponed due to severe weather.

However, history repeated itself as Fulham held their ground, denying Arsenal the full three points. A potential late winner from Bukayo Saka was dramatically disallowed by VAR, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side with plenty to ponder.

The Gunners controlled the opening stages but were undone when Kenny Tete’s precise pass found Raul Jimenez, who skillfully outpaced Jakub Kiwior before slotting home with a clinical finish.

Despite dominating possession for the rest of the first half, Arsenal struggled to break through Fulham’s sturdy defense. Bukayo Saka came closest with a sharp effort, forcing a strong save from Bernd Leno after weaving his way into the box.

Their persistence paid off early in the second half through a set piece. William Saliba leveled the score, redirecting Kai Havertz’s header from Declan Rice’s pinpoint corner.

Arsenal pushed hard for a decisive goal, but after Thomas Partey squandered a clear chance, Saka appeared to secure victory in stoppage time. However, VAR intervened, ruling out the goal due to Gabriel Martinelli’s offside position in the buildup.

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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.