Arsenal retained their place on the high of the Premier League desk following a hard-fought victory over London neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Leandro Trossard scored the one aim of the sport because the Gunners ran out 1-0 winners in opposition to their injury-ravaged however nonetheless spirited hosts.
Manchester Metropolis had briefly leapfrogged Mikel Arteta’s aspect on the high following a 2-0 win over Everton earlier in the day.
However the north Londoners returned to the summit simply hours later to maneuver three factors away from Pep Guardiola’s workforce.
An electrical begin in London
Regardless of 12 locations separating the 2 groups at kick-off, it was the hosts who began brightest at Craven Cottage; Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson each going shut early on after a frenetic begin to the sport.
However Arsenal ultimately settled and had the ball at the back of the web courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s chic sweeping end, however the aim was promptly chalked off for offside.
Shortly after, Wilson dragged an effort extensive following Alex Iwobi’s incisive move, earlier than Viktor Gyokeres stung the palms of former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.
Fulham’s damage woes, which earlier than the sport included the likes of Sasa Lukic, Samuel Chukwueze, Antonee Robinson and Rodrigo Muniz, then worsened when defender Joachim Andersen added his identify to that checklist earlier than the half was out, changed by Issa Diop.
Trossard strikes for the Gunners
However after a largely even first interval, it was Arsenal who struck the primary blow 13 minutes after the break. From a nook – one thing of a Gunners’ speciality – Gabriel’s flick on was turned in on the far submit by Trossard.
The guests then had a penalty determination overturned by VAR earlier than Leno produced a formidable double-save to disclaim each Gyokeres and substitute Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners stifled any whiffs of a Fulham fightback to see out the competition to present themselves a little bit of distance on the high of the desk.
