Arsenal have climbed back to the top of the Premier League table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Fulham. The Saturday evening clash at Craven Cottage was ultimately decided by a single second-half goal from Leandro Trossard. This vital win continues Arsenal's dominance in this historic London derby and strengthens their position as title contenders.
Trossard's Decisive Strike Seals the Win
The game was a tight affair, with few clear-cut chances in the first half. Both teams showed defensive resilience, but Arsenal gradually grew into the match. The breakthrough finally came in the 58th minute. Bukayo Saka delivered a perfect inswinging corner, which was flicked on at the near post by Gabriel. Consequently, Leandro Trossard was perfectly positioned to tap the ball home from close range. Following the goal, Arsenal's defence remained solid, securing their eighth clean sheet of the season and grinding out three crucial points away from home. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the team's mindset, highlighting their ability to win difficult matches.
Arsenal's Corner Kick Prowess
A Key to Victory
Once again, Arsenal's threat from set-pieces proved to be the difference. Trossard's goal was a masterclass in execution from a corner kick, a strategy that has become a significant weapon for the Gunners. Incredibly, this was Arsenal's 50th goal from a corner since the beginning of the 2022/23 season. This statistic is remarkable, as no other Premier League team has scored more than 34 in the same period. It underscores a key part of Mikel Arteta's tactical approach, turning dead-ball situations into match-winning opportunities. The goalscorer, Leandro Trossard, continues to provide crucial contributions for the team.
A Historically One-Sided London Derby
Arsenal's victory extends their long-standing dominance over their London rivals. Overall, this was the 60th meeting between the two clubs, with Arsenal now boasting 39 wins compared to Fulham's 8. This historical advantage is particularly stark when Arsenal plays at home, where they have famously never lost to Fulham in 32 league matches.
Fulham's Recent Fightback
However, Fulham has shown more fight in recent years. Before this match, the Cottagers had lost only one of their previous four encounters with the Gunners. This suggests a growing competitiveness in the fixture, making Arsenal's latest win at Craven Cottage even more significant. From Fulham's perspective, it was a game of fine margins.
Here is a look at the five most recent Premier League results:
- October 18, 2025: Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
- April 1, 2025: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
- December 8, 2024: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal
- December 31, 2023: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal
- August 26, 2023: Arsenal 2-2 Fulham
Conclusion
Ultimately, Arsenal's trip to Craven Cottage was a successful one. A single, well-executed goal from Leandro Trossard was enough to secure a vital 1-0 win and send them back to the Premier League summit. The victory was built on defensive solidity and a potent threat from set-pieces, reinforcing their credentials as serious title challengers. While Fulham showed resilience, Arsenal's quality shone through, continuing a historical trend in this London derby. The Gunners now look ahead to crucial upcoming fixtures, aiming to maintain their momentum.
