Fulham’s unbeaten run came to an end against an impressive Arsenal side, but despite the scoreline, the outcome could have been a lot closer with the Gunners leaving it late to extend their lead in the dying stages of the game.
The Whites slightly altered their formation going into this game, opting for a diamond approach in the centre of midfield. Matt Saunders sat just in front of the back four with Karim Laribi and Wayne Jackson further on, and Jordan Wilson at the top of the diamond.
Without doubt it was Fulham’s toughest test of the season. Arsenal had a very talented side, but it was the Whites that should have taken the lead when Jordan Wilson, playing in a slightly different role, headed wide from an excellent goalscoring position.
The midfielder didn’t make the same mistake moments later though when played through. A neat pass bisected the Arsenal backline and Wilson sped through before slotting past the Arsenal keeper. Fulham tried to keep it tight in the lead up to half-time, but the hosts nicked an equaliser to send them into the break with their tails up.
The second-half was a cagey affair with both sides getting on the ball and enjoying spells of possession. When Arsenal did threaten to get into dangerous attacking positions, the Whites’ defensive unit stood firm.
Arsenal kept plugging away and got the breakthrough they were looking for in the end and they were able to put a gloss on proceedings late on with a third. Despite the eventual scoreline Fulham could take a lot of heart after giving an obviously good side a game in which they didn’t have everything their own way.
Fulham: Etheridge; Cumber, Thompson, Briggs, Anderson; Saunders, Jackson, Laribi, Wilson; Smith, Uwezu