Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a decisive victory over Fulham.
Mikel Arteta’s side responded to Manchester City’s narrow victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday night by wrapping up this win by half-time as they opened up a 3-0 lead with a devastating attacking display.
Defender Gabriel headed in Leandro Trossard’s corner after 21 minutes, the first of three assists for the Belgian. Gabriel Martinelli had earlier had a goal narrowly disallowed for offside by the Video Assistance Referee (VAR).
Five minutes later, Martinelli beat the unmoving Antonee Robinson to head in at the far post on a cross from Trossard. In the first half’s final seconds, captain Martin Odegaard finished coolly on a cross from Trossard.
Fulham mounted a belated threat after the break as visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale denied Bobby de Cordova-Reid, while Tosin Adarabioyo headed against the woodwork.
However, Arsenal maintained control throughout the game, and Arteta was able to make a 13-minute cameo appearance for important striker Gabriel Jesus, who had to undergo knee surgery after suffering an injury while playing for Brazil against Cameroon at the World Cup.
