There was much joy today in the Stadium of Stone, The New Home of Football, as Arsenal’s men comprehensively thrashed Fulham’s men like they were young tyros. The 3-0 final scoreline was actually a gloss to Fulham, it could have been much worse for them, and even more joyous for us Arsenal fans…but it does not diminish the feeling we all are sharing three hours on from the end of the match.
Ringing in 5 changes from the team that drew the sting from the Champions League semi-final in Madrid, Mikel Arteta sprung a bit of a surprise by playing Lewis-Skelly for Zubimendi; Calafiori started at left back for Hincapié. Saka got his first start since the Carabao Cup final in place of Madueke, Trossard was in for Martinelli, and Eze in for the injured Ødegaard. Raya, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, and Gyökeres rounded out the team. How much of the starting 11 was rotation for rest compared to injury will be seen on Tuesday when we return home for the second leg of the semi-final.
We started the game pretty much as we meant to continue, on the front foot, and within 10 minutes we were ahead. Saka took the ball on the right of the box and dipped his shoulder, sitting Jiminez down thus getting to the endline, where he hit a sumptious, perfectly-weighted cross for the onrushing, and oft-slighted, Gyökeres to tap home. That made 20 goals in all competitions this season for Arsenal (50 games!!), a return which, if you’d offered it when we signed the big Swede, would have gotten your hand bitten off in anticipation.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham (9′)
Arsenal stayed active through the midfield, where MLS, Eze, and Rice interwove passes and movement that led Fulham in dizzying circles. Their midfield of ESR (love you, Emile!), Reed, and Lukic had no answers at all when Calafiori and White were added to the attack. White and Saka played together well for the first time in any number of games they’ve started without Ødegaard, overlapping and making quick passes with each other that opened up Arsenal’s game on the right. Trossard and Calafiori did the same on the left, with Calafiori coming inside more than overlapping.
The ball stayed in our control for some 40 of the 45 minutes of the first half, wherein we got a number of half-chances and sighters. Raya’s first touch of the ball came on a foray into Fulham’s defensive midfield, kicking a ball away that, left unattended, could have led to a break for the Cottagers. In the 27th minute Calafiori scored a lovely headed goal after a beautiful Rice throughball to Saka, whose cutback led to Eze’s blocked shot. The ball cycled to Trossard, who clipped a perfect cross to Calafiiori’s handsome head, but, alas, he started about half a yard offside.
MLS and Rice kept moving up and down the pitch in opposite unison, covering each others’ backs and enabling each other to play on the front foot with security. Rice also covered White’s right back position, allowing White to bomb forward and stay there with little fear of being caught out…which was probably a good thing, for there were some moments towards the 30th minute where Fulham was a touch ascendant, and he played some leggy, tired defense.
After the five-minute period of Fulham being able to keep the ball (I think we were taking a bit of a breather, honestly) we stepped it back up and began to attack again. On 40′ Eze played a long, sharp ball to Gyökeres, who took it in stride at the right top corner of the box, holding it up for Saka to make an inside run. Gyökeres returned the favor from his goal with a spot-on pass, Saka took a touch or two and laced it into the bottom right corner of the goal past the flailing Agent Leno.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham (40′)
If there was a moment to encapsulate what Arsenal could do (and could have done, all season if injuries hadn’t been such a blight) it came just before halftime when Trossard sent a cross-field ball that Saka chested-down at the touchline about 1/3 inside our attacking half. He brought it upfield, and cut it back to Calafiori, who passed it to Saliba, whose looped ball just evaded Gabriel at the back post. That’s 3/4 of our defense involved in would have been a goal replayed 20 years hence.
Three minutes of stoppage time greeted us to end the half, and we made the most of it. From deep in our defensive end Saka centered a square ball to Gabriel, who nearly had it nicked by a Fulham player. Instead he poked the ball out to Trossard near the center circle; Trossard ran half the length of the pitch to feather a cross to the middle of the box that Gyökeres headed in just under the bar behind Leno’s flapping arms. Well done to Gyökeres on his brace; allied with his excellent hold-up play and mostly-to-level ball control, his game spoke to what we expected when we signed him. He nearly didn’t get that opportunity: when that attack started I noted we’d just hit 48 minutes, and I half-expected the referee’s whistle during the attack…but he let us play to the finish and it was a fine finish.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham (48′, Halftime)
We played the first half so much on top of Fulham they didn’t have a shot, and might not have had more than one touch in our box. We out-passed them a bazillion to one and out-thought them in all phases of the game. Our defense was imperious (besides the aforementioned errors), our midfield was a mix of action, grit, and silk, pressing hard and winning so many second balls, and our forward line played better together than our forward line has in ages. For Arsenal, everyone was covering for everyone both offensively and defensively, and it was glorious to watch.
The second half, naturally, was a bit of a come-down. Arteta took off Saka at the half (certainly with an eye to Tuesday), and while Madueke made some nice things happen he has neither the personality nor the control of today’s captain. Fulham had more time on the ball, but did little with it. One sequence brought them two corners that led to nought but a goal kick. Gyökeres nearly got his hattrick on 56′, but couldn’t lift the ball over the sprawling Leno.
The rest of the substitutes began with about 25 minutes to play, with Fulham replacing the largely-ineffective Wilson, Reed, and Chukweze, and Arsenal bringing on Zubimendi and Jesus for Rice and Gyökeres. But what was left of the game was essentially 25 minutes of petering-out. Recycling from a 70′ freekick Arsenal’s wall blocked, Fulham finally had a shot on goal, easily saved by Raya (he of the now 17 clean sheets, almost surely to become this season’s sole Golden Gloves winner). Smith-Rowe went down with a thigh or groin injury a few minutes after that, and was clapped off by an appreciative Arsenal crowd (we still love you, Emile!). Dowman came on for Eze on 77′; Eze’s game was silky, his touches and awareness deep in the mix of our fine first half, essential to the tune but perhaps underappreciated by the masses (think John Paul Jones).
Two more moments of note: on 80′ Madueke beat his man up the right, and his cross was put out for a corner. He took the corner, and Calafiori got his head to it, nodding it down…it was certain to go in except for Leno’s big bonce in the way, knocking it up onto the crossbar and out. The other was young Dowman picking up the ball in the center circle, turning away from his defender, and running straight up the center of the pitch. His shot from the edge of the box lacked conviction and went wide right, but his feet, his balance, and his strength as he held off defenders was glorious to see. 16 years old…are you kidding me?
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham (Full-time)
So Arsenal are now 6 points ahead of C115y, 3 ahead in goal differential. In my mind, we are effectively even, but with the pressure squarely on the blue cheatys. They have two days to think about it before they tangle with the Toffees on Monday at the Merseyside. We get to rest a bit, tend to our wounded, and get ready to face Atleti on Tuesday. Here’s hoping that the joy we shared today will be with us, perhaps in a stronger, more solid way, when Wednesday dawns.
Up the Arse!
Scruz
Lovely to see you back reporting and you picked a good one to cover . The atmosphere and the performance today was chalk and cheese from the last two league games agains5 Newcastle and Bournemouth despite the fact that Fulham are of similar strength to both those sides and we played a very intense CL semi final away on Wednesday .
What made the difference?
I would pick three things – MLS was superb in midfield and freed up Rice as Zubimendi did earlier in the season. . Zubi was notably effective when he came on too. It was lovely to have last season’s MLS back. I’d forgotten just how good he can be. Gyokeres had a magnificent game. His running and positioning were terrific and he took his goals well. Calafiori and Rice were also excellent .The third thing was our attitude. We threw off the shackles of nervousness , embraced verticality in our passing and also relished the return of Saka .
It was a pleasure to see GSD during the game and I was delighted he was able to see such a good game . Now we are all committed Toffees on Monday !
Great report, thanks scruz!
MLS slotted in really well but everyone was good and
it was a very enjoyable first half.
The five changes worked out well, nod to MA, and
we should be in good heart for the next big one
Great stuff scruz. I didn’t see the game and am having to rely on MoTD – never a good starting place. Your report chimes with what I saw and what the talking heads said.
A very strange post-match “discussion” on MoTD with Wayne Rooney saying he thinks the Arse will win the title this year because they just will and Joe Hart saying, No, C115y will do what it takes to retain the title because that’s what they do.
It’s wonderful to hear giant intellects discuss the burning issues of the day. I really must try it some time.
COYG
Excellent, Scruz. You nailed the game, as I saw it. I love that you picked up on the Calafiori-Saliba attack that Gabriel nearly converted at the far post. Had he done so, it would have been a goal for the ages.
I think the big difference today from some recent performances was not just that we played more forward passes but also that we moved the ball much quicker, even when playing sideways. Fulham could never really get set and we were able to use the resultant space well.
I was slightly surprised to see from the match stats that we had 14 shots in the first half but only four in the second. The other eye-opening match stat was that our back four accounted for 16 of our 35 touches in their box.
Great stuff, scruz. I have only seen the first half so far, but what a markedly improved atmosphere from the Bournemouth match. If MLS, BS7, Big Vik, or anybody else, is our talisman on the day, then they must remain so through to end of season. COYG
@3 😂
@4 Ned, I rewatched the first half this morning and I think most of our shots came between 25-45 minutes, we could have had two or three more goals in that time. We were very, very good through that 20 minute or so period.
Superb summary of a game I neither saw nor heard. You made me feel like I was in the stadium, Scruz. Nice job. Sensational Six Successfully Secured. On to the Fabulous Five.
Cheers scruz. Spot on report on what I think was our best performance of 2026. Last week’s win may have been the decider, also with the return of Saka.
This morning’s run went very well, considering yesterday’s pints, but I must admit it’s a lot easier to motivate oneself after a convincing win. 14 1/2 months later, I am practically ready to attempt a gentle return to playing football. We’ll see how that goes. May could be a great month in many ways (trying to ignore the not-getting tickets which is annoying).
Scruz, great to see you back writing and on top form. Captured the game perfectly.
The atmosphere yesterday really was good, everyone was up for it. Good to see Bath and daughter at the bar at Block 10 pre-match as well as old friends and family. It felt like a party, and that continued post match too in the ground.
If we had played like that against Bournemouth, we would have blown them away. Annoying, but let’s learn that lesson. MLS was fantastic in the role so many of us have been crying out to see him play. A word for Gyokeres. Excellent. This was without doubt the best performance he has put in to date. His channel running, hold up play, aerial battle winning and finishing were top drawer. Top drawer. I will have to see what the two AC’s- Adam Clery and Adrian Clarke – have to say about how his talents were finally unlocked. Were we simply utilising him better or was there more to it? Either way, this is what we want to see.
Ollie- glad you and JML met up. Sounded like a blast in Paris! Good to hear you’re recovering from the injury. Easy does it…
What a day! The simultaneous returns of Saka and Scruz in red hot form. A celebratory beverage is in order. A crate of Dom Perignon is on the bar for your breakfast Bucks Fizzes.
From the off, we were different gravy. There was an energy, incisiveness and co-ordination in the team that has been infrequently seen in recent weeks and a matching vocal support from the terraces. When I got home late last night and watched MotD, I had to laugh at their attempt to impose their agenda of a nervous Arsenal and neurotic fans – this was Attila theHun territory.
We set about them with the determination of a talented group who knew we had to win and then win well. 6-0 at half time would not have flattered us and Fulham couldn’t lay a glove on us. The second half was more controlled and while I heard disappointment that we hadn’t scored more goals, there was wisdom in that control. Why break a leg (literally or figuratively) to score a fourth if in doing so you open up to a fluke consolation goal or even sustain a pulled hamstring or worse with 3 or hopefully 4 vital must win games coming up, particularly the showdown with the Madridista Mafia Don on Tuesday.
Well done Arsenal! A great performance. And well done, Scruz, straight off the bench into Nobel Prize form.
Sláinte!
And, I forgot! Very well done, MLS49. This lad put in a hell of a shift in midfield. A MotM performance for me despite the outstanding performances of VG14, BS7, DR41, RC33, EE10 and the absolute rocks whom we too often take for granted, as they are so consistent: WS2 and GM6! It was good to see the return to form of LT19; DR1 had little to do; BW got over a rocky spell to nail down the right flank while adding offensive variety; NM20 played his part both in maintaining our wide threat and giving Saka a 45 minute rest. All good!
Big thanks to Ollie for suggesting a great pub full of Gooners, and meeting me there..
Fantastic performance!
Well done for the morning run, Ollie!
Had a look at Arseblog.
FYI, it’s formatted phone-friendly.
Dunno if anyone can do something like that for here…
JML@12: It is being discussed.
Cheers, JML. Yesterday was pretty much perfect there in terms of attendance. Not overcrowded, but busy enough with a fantastic atmosphere.
It was great to meet up, enjoy the gig tonight!
Thanks Scruz for a fine report – it encompassed the match perfectly. Great performances throughout the team but I would single out MLS49 who played the role perfectly and one MA8 should have used where appropriate in some of our previous matches when the midfield was struggling through exhaustion. A word also for the supporters who were the 12th man loud & proud. Everything is set up for a grand finale to season.
Good win. Puts the pressure back on City. I think we will win our last three: WHam (A) Burnley (H) C Pal (A). City have Everton (A) Brentford (H) C Pal (H) Bournemouth (A) Villa (H). I can see them drawing one or two of those.
MLS was was excellent yesterday. Good call by Mikel bringing Declan deeper and giving Zubi a break from the # 6. Saka, Trossard and Calafiori very good yesterday, as was Big Vik.
Atletico next. They rested their entire XI yesterday. If we rinse & repeat yesterdays 1H performance, they won’t have a hope!
What a joy it was to be on the North Bank yesterday, and what a joy to see Scruzgooner once again seated at his laptop, reporting on the game after a period of significant illness. Long may your recovery continue, my Californian friend.
My favourite moments were firstly Saka placing Jimenez firmly on his backside as the skipper turned and burned before sending in that delicious ball finding big Vik perfectly placed to tap it in. Secondly the same two players in reverse order as Gyokeres held the ball up beautifully before playing a slide rule pass between two defenders to meet Saka’s run into the area. He did Leno with the eyes before smashing the ball inside Leno’s near post. Finally that run from Trossard starting in his own half, finishing on the edge of the Fulham area, spotting Gyokeres in space near the penalty spot and launching a perfect cross. Vik jumped high and sent a perfect header back in the direction it had come, wrong footing a flailing Leno to make it three nil. Malcolm McDonald or John Radford would have proud of that one. That’s 21 goals for Gyokeres in all competitions and I am delighted to see the praise coming from all Gooners for his afternoon’s work.
They were the great moments but I really enjoyed the whole performance of MLS, showing that durability, ability to beat opponents when surrounded and vision for a pass, which always reminds me of the young Jack Wilshere. Calafiori was also the chaos creator, constantly getting forward (he turned up at inside right once and was several times the furthest forward). It was very interesting to see how when Cala marauded forwards, MLS dropped back to cover him. Saliba was majestic as always. The best centre back in the world right now? Name me a better one.
A brilliant and joyous day. The chants of “we are top of the league” broke out in the last ten minutes and we walked back down the Holloway Road to our car with songs echoing around us. I think much ale would have been supped in the vicinity last night. The crowd were magnificent all day. Loud and proud.
Welcome back Scruz and welcome back Arsenal.
cheers, all. you are kind, and it’s (believe me!) my pleasure.
jml, there are structural questions to consider that make such a change require some serious discussion. our aim was to make the site have the look, and writing in the spirit of, goonerholic’s bar, in dave’s honor. while there’s nothing inherently or spiritually wrong with changing to a modern model visually or mechanically, it takes work (and our techies are an all-volunteer crew).
I understand completely.
I made the remark because I’m travelling light with just phone, and am joining in
It might put some potential readers off
understood, and no offense taken :). you brought up a good point and it’s under discussion.
i just turn my phone sideways and two-finger enlarge…
anyway, glad you found our place. a pint of guinness on the bar for you…
C100@18: Pleased to hear the crowd was loud and proud on Saturday. The broadcasters on this side of the pond tend to mute the crowd noise, and there was, to my mind, an insidious bit of editing in the highlights shown here when North London Forever was playing. After a short shot of two women wearing Arsenal shirts, not singing, the camera lingered on the Fulham fans, understandably also not singing, standing with their arms crossed and looking grumpy, before cutting to the players in the tunnel for the remainder of the anthem. And then, against a long-distance shot of the stands as the teams came out, the commentary described the Emirates as an amphitheatre of anticipation and anxiety. Agenda?
Unai still likes to prioritize the Europa League, I’d be a tad pissed off
if I was a Wham fan. Though life would have already dealt me a cruel
blow so perhaps I’d be apathetic by now
Anyways, not overly hopeful for Everton tonight but you never know.
Not excessively hopeful either, Matt, but I certainly expect them to make more of an effort than Villa last night.
It’s entirely down to us to get the job done. We cannot rely on anyone else.
Win every game, score as many goals as possible. We can do no more.
Correct, baff!
Bath@25: Spot on.
It is an odd situation where the final outcome is not in the hands of either contender.
Today’s game at the Hill-Dick may be our best hope for City to drop points. Three of their four remaining games after that are at home (v Brentford, Palace and Villa), with Bournemouth on the penultimate weekend the only away trip. I can’t see many upsets among that lot.
Bournemouth away seems a harder game than Everton to me
as they’ve only lost two at home all season.
On the “relying” theme, Blogs wrote a very funny piece today about not relying
on Villa
>>>>>>>