Arsenal’s Gabriel celebrates scoring their first aim with William Saliba.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Arsenal restored their five-point lead on the high of the Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham on March 12 and carved out a small slice of top-flight historical past within the course of.
Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and captain Martin Odegaard all scored within the first half because the Gunners turned the primary crew to win 5 consecutive away London derbies with out conceding a single aim.
The Gunners started the day with second-placed Manchester City sizzling on their heels after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday pulled the reigning champs inside two factors.
With 11 video games remaining, Mikel Arteta’s aspect can stretch the hole to eight factors with a house win in opposition to Crystal Palace subsequent Sunday earlier than Manchester City’s subsequent appointment within the Premier League.
“How does that sound? It’s 11 finals for us, we take it game by game,” stated Leandro Trossard, who had a trio of assists as Arsenal took benefit of Fulham’s porous defence at Craven Cottage.
“It’s about keeping clean sheets as well. Today we did a great game; to keep it zero, you only need to score one. It was three, we’re really happy with that.”
Marco Silva’s Fulham Cottagers, who had misplaced solely as soon as of their earlier seven residence video games in all competitions, are eighth within the league.
Gabriel, who additionally netted his debut aim in opposition to Fulham in 2020, put Arsenal on the scoreboard within the twenty first minute with a header from inside a crowded six-yard field off Trossard’s nook kick.
The Gunners had appeared to get on the board even earlier however Antonee Robinson’s personal aim was dominated offside by the VAR.
Trossard teed up Martinelli within the twenty sixth minute when his arching cross dropped on the far submit for a simple header, the Brazilian’s twelfth aim of the season. Only 4 Premier League gamers have scored extra.
Seconds earlier than halftime, Odegaard took two touches to management Trossard’s cross earlier than smashing the ball previous Fulham — and former Arsenal — keeper Bernd Leno.
Trossard, who was signed by Arsenal in January, stated he had no detrimental emotions about not scoring.
“Really happy with it, I always try to help the team with goals and assists and help the team going forward,” the Belgian stated. “Today, it went my way and I’m just really happy that we won.”
Brazilian Gabriel Jesus earned a roar from Gunners followers when he entered the sport within the 77th minute, his first motion since a knee harm suffered on the World Cup in November.
“It’s a massive boost, he’s been out for a while now and we know what he’s going to give to the team again, and we’re all excited to have him back,” Odegaard stated. “Very happy for him and for the team.”
Jesus practically scored within the eighty fifth however his shot from shut vary went straight to the keeper.
Fulham discovered some life halfway via the second half, with a few wonderful scoring possibilities, together with a header by Aleksandar Mitrovic that clanged off the crossbar.
