Arsenal saw their Premier League title hopes take another hit Sunday as a late winner from Bukayo Saka was ruled out by VAR in a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, leaving the Gunners potentially nine points adrift of Liverpool should the leaders win their game in hand.
William Saliba’s second-half equalizer from a corner canceled out Raul Jimenez’s surprise opener for Fulham, but Arsenal’s apparent 88th-minute breakthrough was denied when Gabriel Martinelli was judged offside in the build-up to Saka’s header.
The Gunners dominated possession with 67% of the ball and outshot their hosts 12-2, but struggled to break down Marco Silva’s well-organized Fulham side. Declan Rice delivered a masterclass in midfield, completing 98% of his passes and creating three chances, though his excellence wasn’t enough to secure victory.
“Even Arsenal’s trusty set-pieces were failing them in the first half, but only until the early period of the second 45, where Saliba just about kept himself onside to lash in his second corner goal from as many matches,” noted match observers, as Arsenal’s set-piece prowess finally paid dividends.
The result leaves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool, who can extend their advantage with their game in hand. Fulham sit 10th, within reach of European places, as they prepare for a visit to league leaders Liverpool next weekend. Arsenal face Monaco in Champions League action Wednesday before hosting Everton in the Premier League.
