Pre-Match Focus: Maintaining Mindset After the Break
Returning from the October international break, Mikel Arteta’s priority was ensuring the team maintained the winning momentum that had seen them climb to the top of the table. Facing a tricky Fulham side at Craven Cottage required focus and a robust mentality, especially after the two-week pause.
Mikel Arteta: "We’ve had a good reset, but we need to prove our mindset immediately. When you play away from home against a local rival, the effort and the desire to win the duels is everything. We must be patient, but we must be lethal when the moment comes. It is always down to our mindset."
The Contest: Key Moments & Goals
The first half proved to be exactly the battle predicted. Fulham started with intent, creating a few nervous moments for the Gunners' defense, with David Raya having to tip a looping cross-shot over the bar. Arsenal did have the ball in the net early through Riccardo Calafiori, but the goal was correctly chalked off for offside. Despite a few late efforts from Gyokeres and Rice, the first half ended goalless, reflecting the evenly matched contest.
The breakthrough came in the 57th minute from a familiar source: a set-piece. Bukayo Saka delivered a devilish inswinging corner, which Gabriel rose highest to flick on. Leandro Trossard was perfectly positioned at the back post to convert from close range, giving Arsenal the crucial 1-0 lead. It was Trossard's third goal of the season and highlighted the Gunners' continued threat from corners.
The game had a moment of major controversy shortly after the goal when Saka was brought down in the box, and a penalty was awarded. However, following a lengthy VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor was advised to consult the pitchside monitor and ultimately overturned the decision, judging that a Fulham player had got a toe to the ball before the contact with Saka.
Despite the setback of the overturned penalty killing their momentum, the defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba stood firm under increasing pressure, ensuring a hard-earned victory.
Post-Match Reaction and Man of the Match
Arteta praised the defensive unit and the team's professional response to adversity, particularly after the penalty incident.
Mikel Arteta: "This is a massive win. It’s what differentiates a good side from a top side—when you have to suffer, you suffer together, and you don't concede. The clean sheet is eight out of 11 this season; that platform is non-negotiable. To come back from the international break and secure three points at a place where we’ve struggled recently shows great resilience."
Leandro Trossard: "It was a tough game, really physically demanding, but we knew the quality we have from set-pieces. I just had to be in the right place to put Gabriel’s flick-on away. These 1-0 wins are crucial, and they feel just as important as the big scorelines."
The Man of the Match award goes to Leandro Trossard. While the defense was magnificent, Trossard provided the one moment of clinical quality needed to unlock the stubborn defense, ensuring Arsenal took all three points and retained their position at the top of the table.
The Gunners now return to the Emirates for three consecutive home matches, starting with a massive Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday evening.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/news/gallery-35-photos-success-fulham