3 unwanted milestones Arsenal reached in loss to Fulham

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta | Imago

3 unwanted milestones Arsenal reached in loss to Fulham

Ayoola Kelechi 18:44 - 31.12.2023

The Premier League title appears to be running away from Arsenal after another league defeat to Fulham set the Gunners' title challenge back some more

Arsenal's recent struggles deepened as they missed the opportunity to claim the top spot in the Premier League, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham. The defeat marked several unwanted milestones for Mikel Arteta's side, further intensifying the pressure as they concluded 2023 on a disappointing note.

Goals from Raul Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid condemned the Gunners to their second consecutive loss, leaving them fourth on the table and only one point above Tottenham outside the UEFA Champions League spots.

They also succumbed to three disappointing milestones in the defeat, further underscoring the disappointment of the defeat.

First Premier League defeat to Fulham since January 2012

Arsenal's loss to Fulham not only extended their recent dip in form but also marked their first Premier League defeat against Fulham since January 2012. Despite starting strongly with Bukayo Saka's early goal, defensive lapses allowed Fulham to turn the tide and secure a crucial victory.

First Premier League defeat after opening the scoring in 49 matches

The Gunners' inability to maintain their lead against Fulham resulted in another unwelcome milestone. Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat after opening the scoring in an impressive 49-match streak. 

Fulham capitalised on defensive vulnerabilities, with Jiménez and De Cordova-Reid finding the net to secure a comeback victory.

First back-to-back Premier League defeats since May

As Arsenal sought to bounce back from recent setbacks, the defeat to Fulham highlighted their struggles. This loss marked Arsenal's first back-to-back Premier League defeats since May, underscoring the challenges Arteta's side faces in maintaining consistency and climbing the league table.

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Despite chances for a comeback, including Bukayo Saka's missed opportunity, Arsenal couldn't overcome Fulham's resilience. The defeat not only ended their four-match winning run in New Year's Eve fixtures but also raised questions about the team's defensive solidity and ability to navigate challenging moments in matches.

Bobby Decordova-Reid against Arsenal | Imago
Bobby Decordova-Reid against Arsenal | Imago

As Arsenal looks ahead to the new year, addressing defensive lapses and rediscovering their winning form will be crucial for Arteta and his squad. The pressure is mounting, and the Gunners will need to regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in their pursuit of success in the Premier League.

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