Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Fulham – London Derby Clash

Arsenal and Fulham will face off in a highly anticipated London derby that promises excitement and drama. The Gunners will travel to Craven Cottage seeking to break their recent struggles against the Cottagers, while Fulham aims to build on their impressive recent performances against their North London rivals.

Fulham’s Recent Success Against Arsenal

Fulham shocked Arsenal in this exact fixture last season, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory. That win marked a rare triumph for Fulham, as they had never previously secured consecutive league victories against the Gunners. History, however, offers Arsenal encouragement, with Fulham yet to win two consecutive home league games against them.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Bobby Reid of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 31, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

In last season’s meetings, Arsenal failed to secure a win in either Premier League clash with Fulham, managing just one draw and suffering one defeat. This marks one of their worst runs against the Cottagers, equaled only by a winless streak between May 2011 and November 2012, when Arsenal went four league games without a victory against Fulham.

Arsenal’s London Derby Dominance

While Fulham has found joy in recent meetings with Arsenal, the Gunners have been dominant in London derbies. Mikel Arteta’s men have won seven of their last eight Premier League London derbies, drawing the other. Impressively, Arsenal has scored five or more goals in four of these encounters, a feat they achieved as many times as they had in their previous 113 London derby matches combined.

Fulham, however, is no pushover in derby clashes. They are unbeaten in their last eight league London derbies (W4 D4), their best run since a streak of nine matches between February 2000 and September 2001. That run ended with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal’s Scoring Consistency

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal is challenged by Sasa Lukic of Fulham during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal has enjoyed consistent success in finding the back of the net against Fulham. They have scored in each of their last 18 Premier League meetings with the Cottagers, a run stretching back to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium in February 2009. This consistency will give Arteta confidence as his team looks to regain their attacking sharpness.

Tactical Battle

Mikel Arteta will aim to build on Arsenal’s strong form this season, as the Gunners push to challenge at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal’s pressing game and ability to dominate possession could unsettle Fulham’s defense. Players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard will look to exploit any defensive lapses, while Kai Havertz could prove clinical in front of goal.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans after the team’s defeat in the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 31, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Fulham, under Marco Silva, has been defensively resolute and tactically disciplined in recent games. Fulham’s midfield will need to be combative to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, while counter-attacks and set-pieces could prove decisive for the hosts.

Prediction

Given both teams’ recent history and current form, this London derby is poised to be a fiercely contested affair. Arsenal will be motivated to end their winless streak against Fulham, while the Cottagers aim to continue their unbeaten run in London derbies. With both sides having plenty to play for, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at Craven Cottage. We predict a 3-1 win for Arsenal.

Key Stats:

Fulham’s last home win against Arsenal: 2-1 in 2023.

Arsenal has scored in their last 18 league games against Fulham.

Fulham’s longest unbeaten London derby streak: 8 games.

Arsenal’s record in their last 8 London derbies: 7 wins, 1 draw.