Another Set Piece, Another Statement

October 18, 2025

Craven Cottage, Fulham

They arrived in west London knowing this ground had not been kind. Fulham, fourteenth in the table, had not lost at Craven Cottage since early September; Arsenal had not won here since 2023. Fulham’s home form has been impressive. They had faced fewer shots at home than any side except Arsenal. Yet precedent mattered little. Mikel Arteta, now among the Premier League’s longest-serving managers, has forged a team that wins no matter what.

The players aligned in the middle of the pitch after an international break that reaffirmed Arsenal’s leadership culture: Rice captaining England, Saka and Gabriel setting standards, Timber commanding Netherlands with authority. 

The opening exchanges were cautious, almost mathematical. Fulham’s forwards tested Gabriel early, with Raúl Jiménez twice creating danger before Wilson fired narrowly wide. Arsenal absorbed the pressure, then replied in kind. A flowing move between Trossard and Calafiori ended with a goal ruled offside — reminiscent of Martinelli’s backheel assist here two years ago.

Calafiori, fearless and tireless, came close three times before meeting Saka’s cross with a thundering volley on 37 minutes. The shot flew over. Fulham countered with aerial crosses and swift breaks, forcing Raya into a fine save from King’s looping effort. By halftime, Arsenal had control of possession but no breakthrough.

It came, inevitably, from a set piece — Arsenal’s deadliest weapon. On 58 minutes, Saka’s inswinging corner found Gabriel’s flick at the near post, and Trossard finished from close range. The Belgian’s trademark binocular celebration followed: the lookout who always finds the horizon. His third goal of the season, his seventh contribution in twelve games. 

A late penalty appeal for Saka was denied, breaking the rhythm. Fulham rallied, but Arteta’s changes restored balance. Saka continued to glide past defenders when Adama Traoré entered. Calafiori was pinned deeper, forcing Martinelli to take on more of the creative burden. Compact, relentless, Arsenal endured — earning their eighth clean sheet in eleven games and extending a defensive record unmatched in Europe: just three goals conceded, one from open play. Raya’s 54th Premier League shutout — and Arsenal’s second straight match without a shot on target conceded — recalled November 2003, the season of The Invincibles.

Arsenal remain at the summit of English football after another hard-fought victory.

Fulham 0 – 1 Arsenal (L. Trossard ‘58)