Trossard Fires Arsenal Back to the Top with Narrow Win Over Fulham
Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League table on Saturday after Leandro Trossard’s second-half strike secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Belgian forward netted his first league goal of the season to hand the Gunners a vital three points and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches. The result also marked Arsenal’s fifth straight win, tightening their grip at the top of the table.
Earlier in the day, Manchester City’s 2–0 win over Everton had temporarily lifted Pep Guardiola’s side into first place.
However, Mikel Arteta’s men responded swiftly, reclaiming top spot with an efficient, if unremarkable, display by the River Thames.
The win leaves Arsenal three points clear at the top as they continue their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004.
Fulham started brightly and came close to an early breakthrough when Harry Wilson’s clever pass found Raul Jimenez, but goalkeeper David Raya reacted sharply to keep the Mexican forward out. Wilson remained a threat, later curling just wide after capitalising on a misplaced pass from Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal thought they had taken the lead against the run of play when defender Riccardo Calafiori fired in a crisp finish from the edge of the box, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. The hosts continued to press as Wilson forced another save from Raya, while Josh King’s teasing cross nearly dropped in before being tipped over by the Spanish keeper.
At the other end, Viktor Gyokeres’ barren run in front of goal stretched to seven games after Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, denied him following a slick pass from Bukayo Saka. Calafiori volleyed over soon after, and Declan Rice fired narrowly wide just before the interval.
Arsenal looked increasingly frustrated after the restart, with Trossard missing a close-range chance and Timothy Castagne producing a crucial goal-line clearance to keep Fulham in contention.
But the breakthrough finally came midway through the second half when Trossard pounced to convert a loose ball in the box, sealing the win for the north London side.
The result sees Arsenal solidify their position as early title favourites following Liverpool’s recent dip in form. With six wins from their first eight league games, Arteta’s team continues to show the resilience and consistency needed to mount a serious championship challenge.
