Arsenal 2-1 Fulham: Gabriel Magalhaes atones for earlier error as late strike seals victory for Gunners

Gabriel Magalhaes atoned for an earlier error by scoring a late winner as Arsenal got here from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 and keep their 100 per cent begin to the season, leaving Mikel Arteta to hail their “belief” in overcoming adversity.

Gabriel was caught on the ball on the sting of his personal field for Fulham’s opener, his mistake permitting Aleksandar Mitrovic to place the guests in entrance in opposition to the run of play (56).

But after the superb Martin Odegaard had pulled the Gunners degree with a deflected strike from Bukayo Saka’s cross (64), the Arsenal centre-back poked dwelling from just a few yards out when former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno failed to say a nook (85).

Fulham had proven spectacular resolve up till then, with Leno making a string of saves to disclaim his former aspect because the hosts dominated, however Arsenal’s strain finally informed at a jubilant Emirates Stadium, Gabriel’s strike sending them again to the highest of the Premier League.

How Gabriel received it for Arsenal

Arsenal got here into the sport looking for to keep up their successful begin to the season however Fulham had an unbeaten begin of their very own to defend and confirmed resilience within the face of first-half strain.

The hosts lacked a few of their latest fluency with out Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko, each of whom picked up accidents in coaching on Friday, however they dominated possession and territory from the beginning – albeit with out creating many clear probabilities.

Granit Xhaka ought to have hit the goal when arrange by Gabriel Jesus, whereas Gabriel Martinelli hit the bar direct from a nook, however their greatest alternative of the primary interval fell to Bukayo Saka, whose one-on-one effort was properly saved by Leno.

The Gunners created a flurry of probabilities after the break, with Odegaard and Jesus denied by Leno, however Fulham’s opener arrived moments later when Gabriel dawdled and Mitrovic, whose physicality induced issues all through, punished him to steal possession and beat Aaron Ramsdale 4 his fourth purpose of the marketing campaign.

Odegaard’s leveller went in with the assistance of a deflection after Saka had picked up William Saliba’s cross and moved it on to the Norwegian, and whereas Fulham got here near going again in entrance moments later, when Mitrovic was denied by Ramsdale and Ben White blocked the follow-up, the Gunners finally made the breakthrough.

Leno couldn’t hold maintain of Martinelli’s nook beneath strain from a number of Arsenal gamers and Gabriel reacted quickest to prod the ball over the road and spark delirious celebrations in north London as Arteta’s aspect maintained their flying begin to the marketing campaign.

Arsenal make it 4 in a row – Opta stats

• Arsenal have received every of their first 4 video games of a Premier League season for less than the third time, after 2003/04, once they went on to win the league, and 2004-05 once they completed runners-up.
• This was the primary time Arsenal conceded the primary purpose within the second half of a Premier League match and managed to come back again and win since Boxing Day 2013 in opposition to West Ham.
• Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta oversaw his a centesimal Premier League recreation, selecting up 100 factors in his second 50 (W32 D4 L14) after accruing 75 in his first 50 (W21 D12 L17).

Arteta hails Arsenal’s perception in adversity

Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta informed Sky Sports: “It’s a big boost – and obviously to win like this as well.

“It’s very nice once you really feel that adversity through the match after being accountable for the match and being on prime of it and hoping it was only a matter of time.

“We made a big mistake and they punished us, but how we reacted against adversity, the connection again with the supporters, the atmosphere that we created, the way we went about it, the mentality that we showed, the way Gabby played after he made that mistake and the way that the team believed we could win the match… We went for it and we managed to do it.

“Overall, I’m actually happy with the efficiency.

“I think that this is just the start of the season. A long, long marathon. Everybody is going to suffer at some stage. We are in a good run and we have to try and maintain it, and be humble and hungry”

Silva says Fulham deserved extra and requires reinforcements

Fulham boss Marco Silva informed Sky Sports: “All the credit for my players, their commitment, their attitude, their organisation from the first until the last minute.

“We have been higher within the second half than within the first half. We had extra time and more room, and that is what we anticipated.

“They deserve more in terms of points, definitely. They deserve much more. The goals we conceded were unlucky. Many positives we took but unfortunately not points.

“I’m not making excuses, however no person can compete at this degree with one striker simply within the beginning XI.

“He’s doing an amazing, amazing job. Once again it was a great performance from him, but it’s impossible.

“Without wingers on the bench at this degree it’s unimaginable, however we’re like we’re and it’s what it’s. I hope the dangerous luck that we had this night will come again for us sooner or later.”

Smith: Too soon for Arsenal title talk

Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith insisted it is too early to consider Arsenal title contenders and urged the Gunners to focus on securing a top-four finish.

“It’s a bit early for title discuss,” he said. “Ask me at Easter. You do not know with this season.

“I think everybody still sees Manchester City as the standard bearers, and Liverpool will get back to something approaching their standard.

“I believe they [Arsenal] are a greater crew than they have been final 12 months. They’ve bought that have they usually’ve added to the squad.

“Their aim will be top four, along with the Europa League they can give that a good go, and the domestic cups.

“They’re in good kind however all large golf equipment are measured by their league place and whether or not they’re within the Champions League. And, for Arteta, that is the primary purpose.”

Analysis: Odegaard leads by instance

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

There was a lot to love about Martin Odegaard’s efficiency however one second stood out.

The recreation had change into frantic as Arsenal chased a winner however Odegaard was calm, as he all the time is, skipping away from two Fulham defenders within the centre circle, drawing applause within the course of, then lifting a pinpoint cross out to Gabriel Martinelli on the left.

It was simply considered one of many situations of the Norwegian, sporting the captain’s armband this season and sporting it properly, demonstrating the composure and high quality wanted to maintain Arsenal transferring in the fitting route and hold the strain firmly on Fulham.

His purpose, his third in two video games, was after all his most important contribution, fired in with the assistance of a small deflection, and it was becoming that it got here after combining with Bukayo Saka.

Odegaard’s understanding along with his youthful team-mate is sort of telepathic and it might be seen all through on the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal tore into Fulham on their proper flank.

In complete, Odegaard discovered Saka with 15 passes – six greater than every other participant – whereas Saka discovered him with 12 – almost twice as many as he performed to anybody else.

Fulham struggled to include the pair at occasions and whereas Arsenal have been made to attend for the decisive breakthrough, it felt acceptable that, between them, Odegaard and Saka performed a vital position within the comeback.

Saka is just not the one team-mate Odegaard makes higher, both. “Influence,” stated Arteta in his press convention when requested about Odegaard’s contribution. “In difficult moments, take the ball and make things happen. That’s what he has done.”

And it’s what he’ll proceed to do.

What’s subsequent?

Arsenal host Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday; kick-off 7.30pm.

Brighton go to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday within the Premier League; kick-off 7.30pm.