The year that saw them lose the EPL title that seemed almost impossible to drop couldn’t have ended differently than in another painful loss. Arsenal surrendered to Fulham at Craven Cottage on a New Year’s Eve after a disappointing 2-1, as the hosts managed to come from behind and beat their London neighbours.This defeat will push the Gunners down the table straight to joint third place with Manchester City, who have a game in their hand. Also, Liverpool could get five points ahead of the Londoners in case they triumph in the first Premier League match of 2024 against Newcastle on Monday night.Arsenal when they are at the top of the treepic.twitter.com/OzlmKeeoT3— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) December 31, 2023 And the beginning at the Craven Cottage didn’t promise such a lousy end for Mikel Arteta’s side. After just five minutes, they went ahead as they hit Fulham on the counter.Gabriel Martinelli took the ball upfield, and after Bernd Leno saved his shot, Bukayo Saka turned up to turn in the ball from six yards.Saka’s goal doesn’t show how quickly Raya’s throw released Nelli to start the move. Raya tried this a several times vs WHU but they managed to get players back into position and thwart any attacks.Fulham obviously didn’t take heed lol pic.twitter.com/oAxpfDtKsQ— Gilles 🇳🇬🏴 (@_Grimanditweets) December 31, 2023 Instead of building on that lead, the visitors went straight into a dead end, as the Cottagers fought back superbly.Nigeria international Calvin Bassey had been superb for Fulham in the first half. He was later joined by Raul Jimenez, who scored four goals in his last four appearances in the Premier League, as many as he had scored across his previous 50 matches.4 – Raúl Jiménez has scored four goals in his last four appearances in the Premier League, as many as he had scored across his previous 50 games in the competition. Back. pic.twitter.com/rcgtcZzj6z— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 31, 2023 After that early goal, Arsenal rarely threatened since, and things didn’t change much after the half-time interval.On the other end, a pinball in the Arsenal box at a corner 15 minutes into the second half resulted in Bobby Decordova-Reid’s tap-in to make it 2-1 for a total comeback.##NAJAVA_MECA_7772873####EDITORS_CHOICE##A few miles away, in North London, Tottenham rushed to another impressive victory by topping Bournemouth 3-1. Despite the Cherries’ excellent first-half performance, the Spurs scored against the run of play thanks to Pape Matar Sarr nine minutes into the game.The Senegalese holding midfielder scored the opener before suffering a dreadful injury, adding his name to an already long list of Tottenham’s absentees. Moreover, Sarr’s AFCON 2023 appearance is highly doubtful after this tragic incident.Wouy thiate😭 Pape Matar Sarr sort sur blessure en pleurant 😭😭😭💔 pic.twitter.com/NBmRnobCHl— Ekip🇸🇳🥷🏾 (@Jaah221) December 31, 2023 Andoni Iraola’s slot tried to fight back, but their stubbornness didn’t pay off since the hosts clinched a routine win with another two goals late in the second half.Heung-min Son doubled the lead in the 71st minute, while Richarlison wrapped up the tie ten minutes from time. Scott’s late goal for the visitors didn’t mean a lot, as the match was already decided. Ange Postecoglou’s team is now just a point adrift of their next-door neighbours, Arsenal.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 20SaturdayLuton Town – Chelsea 2-3 (0-2)/Barkley 80, Adebayo 87 – Palmer 12, 70, Madueke 37/Aston Villa – Burnley 1-1 (1-1)/Bailey 29 – Amdouni 31/Crystal Palace – Brentford 1-1 (1-1)/Olise 14 – Lewis-Potter 2/Man.City – Sheffield Utd 1-0 (1-0)/Rodri 14/Wolverhampton – Everton 1-0 (1-0)/Kilman 25/Nott.Forest – Man.Utd. 2-1 (0-0)/Dominguez 64, Gibbs-White 83 – Rashford 78/SundayTottenham – Bournemouth 3-1 (1-0)/Sarr 9, Son 71, Richarlison 80 – Scott 84/Fulham – Arsenal 2-1 (1-1)/Jimenez 29, Decordova-Ried 59 – Saka 5/Monday23:00: (1.50) Liverpool (4.50) Newcastle (7.25)Tuesday22:30: (2.50) West Ham (3.45) Brighton (2.75)***odds are subject to change***
