Arsenal 2-1 Fulham: Gabriel makes up for earlier error as Gunners maintain perfect Premier League start

REUTERS
Matt Verri27 August 2022

Gabriel made up for his huge error as Arsenal came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.

The Brazilian was caught out in possession as Aleksandar Mitrovic won the ball back and put the visitors in front in the second half, threatening the Gunners’ perfect start to the season.

But Martin Odegaard equalised for the Arsenal and Gabriel bundled home in the 85th minute to make it four wins from four and take the team back to the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta made changes to his starting XI for the first time this season, Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko both missing out with injury as Mohamed Elneny and Kieran Tierney came into the side.

The Gunners were dominant in the first-half and put together a number of lovely moves, but were unable to find either the final ball or the necessary finish.

Granit Xhaka fired wide after Gabriel Jesus cushioned the ball to him in the box, while Bukayo Saka was denied by former team-mate Bernd Leno as he cut onto his left foot and got the shot away.

The opening goal came after the break and it was a shock one, as Arsenal fell behind for the first time this season. Gabriel was caught taking an age on the ball, Mitrovic robbed him and then finished brilliantly under pressure.

That lead lasted eight minutes before the Gunners got themselves back on terms. Saka played the ball inside to Odegaard and the Arsenal captain’s strike took a big deflection, leaving Leno with no chance.

Eddie Nketiah made a real impact after coming on and had a big chance to put Arsenal in front as Martinelli cut the ball back to him, but he fired straight at Leno.

The pressure continued to build and eventually it told with five minutes remaining. Martinelli swung a corner it, it dropped in the six-yard box as William Saliba and Leno went up for it and Gabriel was on hand to poke home, his celebration one of relief as much as it was jubilation.

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