Arsenal reclaimed the Premier League summit on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when Leandro Trossard slipped a 58th‑minute finish past Bernd Leno at Craven Cottage in London. The 1‑0 win not only handed Arsenal Football Club three points but also nudged them back to the top of the table, three points ahead of Manchester City.
Kick‑off was scheduled for 15:00 BST, and the atmosphere inside the historic ground was electric despite Fulham’s modest recent form. The match was officially listed as Arsenal vs Fulham Premier League matchCraven Cottage, a fixture that has often produced dramatic turn‑arounds in past seasons.
Match Overview
Arsenal dominated possession, holding the ball for roughly 62% of the ninety minutes, while Fulham managed just 38%. The Gunners threw 12 shots their way, five of which were on target, whereas the Cottagers mustered a mere three attempts, none finding the net. Despite the numerical superiority, the first half ended goalless, with Leno pulling off two reflex saves – a fingertip block from Martin Ødegaard’s early effort and a diving palm stop on a late Kai Havertz header.
Key Moment: The Corner Goal
Everything changed after the 55th minute when Bukayo Saka whistled in a perfectly placed corner from the right. Gabriel, Arsenal’s left‑back, rose at the far post and flicked the ball across the six‑yard box. Trossard arrived unmarked, tucked the ball to his right, and slotted it home with his left foot. The net rippled, the crowd gasped, and the scoreboard changed to 1‑0.
“A second‑half strike from Leo Trossard was enough to give us three crucial away points,” the club’s official YouTube channel later announced. “Bukayo’s corner was flicked on by Gabriel and finished by Trossard from close range – a deserved victory and another clean sheet.”
Tactical Breakdown
Arteta’s side stuck to their high‑pressing blueprint, compressing space behind the Fulham back‑four of Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca, Joachim Andersen, and Timothy Castagne. The Gunners’ midfield trio of Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz regularly forced Fulham into 30‑second passes, limiting the visitors’ ability to build rhythm.
- Arsenal’s average pass length: 9.2 m; Fulham’s: 6.7 m
- Pressures in the final third: Arsenal 145, Fulham 78
- Successful dribbles: Arsenal 7, Fulham 2
Fulham, coached by Marco Silva, switched to a more defensive 5‑4‑1 after the goal, pulling the centre‑backs deeper and asking the full‑backs to stay compact. The change reduced Arsenal’s clear‑cut chances, but the Cottagers never threatened Leno’s line directly.
Manager Reactions
Post‑match, Mikel Arteta gathered his staff, hugged the players and said, “We stuck to the plan, we fought for every ball, and Leandro finished the job. I’m proud of the way we responded after the halftime break.”
Silva, meanwhile, admitted his side were “the walking wounded” – a reference to a minor injury to centre‑back Joachim Andersen that forced him off after a collision in the 71st minute. “We defended well, but a little more cutting edge on the final third could have changed the story,” Silva added.
Impact on the Title Race
With the win, Arsenal moved to 19 points from eight games (6‑1‑1), reclaiming first place from Manchester City, who sit on 16 points after a 2‑2 draw at home. Liverpool, who face Brighton on Sunday, remain three points behind Arsenal, while Tottenham, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Sunderland trail in the bottom half.
Analysts at Sky Sports noted, “Arsenal have turned a potential slip‑up into a statement win. Their ability to win away from home on set‑pieces under Arteta is becoming a trademark.” The victory also marked Arsenal’s eighth clean sheet of the season, underscoring a defensive solidity that has been missing in previous campaigns.
Historical Context
Arsenal’s last away win at Craven Cottage came in the 2020‑21 season, a 3‑0 triumph that sparked a run of eight unbeaten games. This time, the win arrives at a crucial juncture: the league is entering its decisive third of the season, and every point matters.
Fulham, currently 14th with eight points, have yet to register a shot on target in this match, echoing a defensive struggle that saw them earn just one point from their previous three fixtures. Their upcoming fixture against Brentford will be pivotal for survival hopes.
What’s Next?
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on October 25 for a high‑stakes clash with Manchester United. A win there could extend their lead to six points. Fulham, on the other hand, host Brentford on October 24, needing at least a point to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Fans left Craven Cottage chanting “We love you Arsenal” as the Gunners celebrated under a sky lit with fireworks. The vibe was unmistakable – Arsenal are back on top, and the title race has suddenly become a sprint rather than a marathon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arsenal’s win affect their title chances?
The three‑point cushion puts Arsenal back on top of the table, meaning they control their own destiny. With only eight games played, maintaining this lead requires consistency, especially against upcoming fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Who scored the decisive goal and how?
Leandro Trossard netted the winner in the 58th minute. A Bukayo Saka corner was flicked on by left‑back Gabriel, and Trossard calmly slotted the ball from close range past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
What were the key tactical changes after the goal?
Arsenal kept pressing high, but Fulham switched to a deeper 5‑4‑1, pulling the back line back and limiting space between lines. This forced Arsenal to rely on set‑pieces and long‑range attempts rather than open‑play incisiveness.
Which players stood out for Fulham?
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno made several crucial saves, keeping Fulham in the game. Defender Joachim Andersen, despite leaving hurt, displayed leadership in organizing the back line. Midfielder Sander Berge contributed heavily in ball recovery.
When is Arsenal’s next big challenge?
Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford on October 25, 2025. A win there would widen their lead and test their ability to perform under pressure away from home.
