Fulham vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Bobby De Cordova-Reid scores winner

Arsenal squandered a chance to start 2024 at the top of the Premier League and instead were resoundingly beaten 2-1 at the hands of Fulham.

Bukayo Saka had given the visitors an early lead after less than five minutes, but Arsenal were unable to push on, and their passing which is usually slick slowed to a crawl. That allowed Fulham back into the game, first equalising inside the first half an hour through the returning Raul Jimenez before Bobby Decordova-Reid scored the winner in the second half.

Mikel Arteta’s side were unable to end a downward slump that will instead see them finish out the calendar year in fourth place, just one point above north London rivals Tottenham.

Arsenal have gone three games without a win, their longest run of the season, while Fulham showed a renewed grit and determination against the Gunners.

Follow all the live action in the blog below and get the latest odds and tips here.

Arsenal vs Fulham - LIVE

• FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

• GOAL! De Cordova-Reid puts hosts ahead - Fulham 2-1 Arsenal [59’]

• HT: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

• GOAL! Jimenez hits equaliser - Fulham 1-1 Arsenal [28’]

• GOAL! Saka scores early goal - Fulham 0-1 Arsenal [4']

• Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

• Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Willian, Iwobi, Jimenez

Fulham FC 2 - 1 Arsenal FC

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

16:37 , Sonia Twigg

The Arsenal manager added: “You have to play 100 minutes in this league, it’s not enough to play a few actions and as I said it’s a really sad day because today we didn’t deserve to win the game.”

On the substitutions, he said: “I tried to change the game then for sure to create more threat but we never got going because we gave every ball away and we could not dominate the direct play, and if you cannot do that it is very difficult to generate any momentum.”

He also offered a hint to the transfer window, when asked what he needed, Arteta said: “(We need to) do what we’ve done in 19 other games, with the same players.”

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta pulled no punches in his assessment of the game to Sky Sports: “We weren’t good enough, simple as that.

“We lost a game a few days ago that we thoroughly deserved to win because we were so good and today and today we were nowhere near the level.

“We conceded two very similar goals to them, after direct play we gave the ball away and the organisation in our box and set plays, our reading wasn’t good enough in attack, our purpose in defence, we were second-best in every action.”

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Rice continued: “Once we went 1-0 up, you have to push again and go for more because in this league there is no room to mess up, there are so many good teams around you and we want to be pushing at the top end of the table, so it’s a tough one to take today.

“We dominated the ball, we played some really good stuff, but again it was putting the ball in the back of the net and Fulham defended really well but it was about going out there second half and really pushing.

“We knew a win today would put us back on top and that was the message at half time. It’s two defeats in a row, it’s time to reset and go again.

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Declan Rice told Sky Sports: “Very disappointing, very tough to take, obviously not good enough from us today.

“The last two results have not been what we’ve required or been setting over the course of the season. We’ve been performing well until the last two games, especially off the back of the draw at Liverpool, we felt like we could really kick on.

“But after the last two defeats, it’s a tough one to swallow.”

On the defeats: “In the game against West Ham we had so many shots, so many chances in the opposition area and couldn’t put it away, and today - when you go 1-0 up you need to take more control, to have more self-belief and desire.

“The mentality needs to be better, we need to demand more from each other when you’re pushing at that end of the table.”

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Cairney added: “Even though we went a goal down early on I still felt like there was a belief amongst us. We were very good here, we’ve got a real feel-good factor at home.

“So it was key to get the equalising goal, it was great for morale and we kind of built on that really.”

He said: “I’m enjoying my football. It’s been an unbelievable two-and-a-half years that the manager has been here, the club has come on leaps and bounds and the last couple of months I’ve been playing good football but it’s about trying to help my teammates and we’re striving for better things.”

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Bobby Decordova-Reid said about his winner: “It’s always nice (to score) but I think today was one everyone should be proud of, the fans and everyone else.

“The true determination and grit today and we have to continue into the New Year.”

The winger added: “I think we were resilient in our shape, everyone knew what we were doing and we were working hard for each other and I thought we were very good.

“We understood how we can hurt them and thankfully for me I got the goal - right place right time. But the lads worked really hard today and deserved a victory.”

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Tom Cairney said to Sky Sports after the game: “We’ve been great at home, not so good away from home.

“We were very disappointed with the Boxing Day performance overall and we wanted to make a bit of a statement today. They’re an unbelievable side, but yeah we were on top form today.

“I think the way we reacted from going a goal behind was very good.”

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Stay tuned for all the reaction from Craven Cottage.

FT: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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Full time: Arsenal did not show the form which saw them rise to the top of the Premier League. They lacked composure and at times uncharacteristically almost tried to slow the game down.

Fulham were rewarded with a return to winning ways following three successive Premier League defeats, they came from a goal behind against Arsenal, fought hard and were rewarded with a victory.

Arsenal’s struggles continue.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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90+5’ Trossard fires over the goal and wide of everything and that might have been Arsenal’s final chance.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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90+5’ Arsenal have a corner and this could be the last chance of the match, we’re into the final minute.

It’s headed back to Saka for another one...

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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90+4’ Arsenal might just have one last chance here, but Fulham have scrambled backwards to defend and block Arsenal from finding a way through.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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90+3’ Harrison Reed comes on for Fulham in place of Tom Cairney who has played very well.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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90+1’ Leno just falls on a tame chance from Saka which almost sums up their performance following the goal. The England international found himself in a positive position, but the final effort lacked power and direction and was an easy save for the former Gunners’ goalkeeper.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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90’ Fulham have given absolutely everything in this match after their back-to-back defeats and have shown a good fight.

There will be five minutes of added time.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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89’ Arsenal have a corner but it just leads to a Fulham break, but Pereira’s cross was just too far ahead of Wilson and Jimenez.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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88’ Bar! Fulham have a chance from the free kick. Pereira stands over it and clatters the ball into the crossbar! That was another opportunity for the home side to kill the game off.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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86’ Arsenal could be in trouble here! Saliba has brought down Wilson as he was running through onto the ball behind the backline, he has been shown a yellow card, but Marco Silva believes it should have been a red.

It was a well-weighted ball from Pereira, but VAR has not impacted the decision.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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84’ Robinson played it in for Jimenez, but his shot was blocked and out for a corner! It was not an easy one to control but almost led to another.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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81’ Saka drives into the box in an attempt to create something but he is tackled by Palhinha who times it perfectly to prevent the Arsenal player being able to take the shot.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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80’ Arsenal have a chance, the ball comes in from the right and flies across the face of goal, but no player was close to getting a crucial final touch on the probing cross.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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79’ For the first time now Arsenal are coming forward with intent, but Castagne puts the probing cross behind for a corner.

Fulham are making changes, Willian comes off for Harry Wilson and Decordova-Reid makes way for a defensive change and Diop.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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77’ Calvin Bassey has received a yellow card for time-wasting, but since the Fulham goal, Arsenal have not had any clear-cut chances.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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77’ Havertz has just come off for Reiss Nelson as Arteta tries to inject life into his Arsenal side.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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75’ Arsenal have not been able to get Jesus or Havertz into the game so far while Nketiah has also largely been anonymous.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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74’ The rain is really coming down now and the wind has picked up. Fulham is on the banks of the Thames so wind can have an impact at times, although less so since the Riverside Stand was rebuilt.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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73’ Fulham look to keep attacking as the rain has started hammering it down at Craven Cottage, they have had more shots and more on target than Arsenal throughout the match.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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71’ Cairney has a shot that Raya has to palm away! Fulham are on the front foot as they make their first change with Iwobi coming off for Pereira, that will bring an injection of energy.

Iwobi applauded off by both Fulham and his former club Arsenal’s supporters.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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69’ Arsenal’s changes are just trying to find their feet in the new system, and so far are not linking together in a similar way to the players they replaced.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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68’ It’s not often Arteta will put two up front for Arsenal as Tomiyasu shifts to the right, but something was called for.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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66’ Odegaard is going to take the free-kick, it’s central and maybe 10 yards further out than the box, he goes for goal but it goes over the bar!

Jesus and Trossard come on for Martinelli and Ben White, so Arsenal are going on the attack and keeping Nketiah on the field.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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65’ Gabriel Jesus is getting ready to come on and Cairney has been shown the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Saka just outside the area.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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63’ Chance! Saka had the opportunity to strike back immediately, the ball fell for him at the far post and he skews the volley both high and wide of the target.

Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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62’ Arteta has just sent some players to go and warm up, but having taken an early lead they are now on the back foot.

The Gunners have lacked an intensity in the match and while that ball fell fortunately for De Cordova-Reid, they had been looking promising in the build up.

GOAL! De Cordova-Reid puts hosts ahead - Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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60’ That was pinball! It was flicked off Rice and Tomiyasu before the ball fell for the Fulham player who tapped home confidently to give his side the lead!

Arsenal have been made to pay for their lacklustre passing.

GOAL! De Cordova-Reid puts hosts ahead - Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

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59’ GOAL! De Cordova-Reid! Arsenal’s passes are not quite finding the intended target, while Fulham’s attack results in a corner.

Cairney is having a lot of time on the ball which is suiting his style of play and allowing him to pick the right passes.

Willian takes the corner, and it’s poked home by De Cordova Reid!

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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56’ Fulham are slightly having to weather the storm here, but Arsenal are also not finding the gaps to create chances.

They are kept at bay camped outside the final third against the well-organised Cottagers.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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54’ Tomiyasu has looked a lot more composed in the inverted full back role than Kiwior did in the first half and it has cut off opportunities for Fulham to get forward.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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53’ Fulham are in no desire for this game to speed up and are taking their time over set pieces, including a lengthy Leno goal kick.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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50’ Arsenal seem to have started this half with a bit more urgency than they showed in the latter part of the first, their passing is sharper and more efficient.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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49’ Arsenal claim for a foul on Gabriel, but it’s Fulham who have the corner...the ball is cleared at the first man.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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47’ Arsenal attack at the start of the second half after a coming-together between a Fulham defender and the referee but nothing comes of it and the final shot is well wide.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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46’ Fulham get the second half underway.

It looks like Arsenal are going to make a change, with Kiwior coming off for Tomiyasu.

HT: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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Here are some photos from the first half:

HT: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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HT: Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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Half time: Arsenal took an early lead through Saka, and for a while it looked as though that might be the spark that jolted them into action following two matches without a win.

However, they did not go on to try and kill the game and instead it was Fulham who fought their own way back into it, wanting to attack down the wings and get behind the Arsenal fullbacks.

The hosts were rewarded with an equaliser through Jimenez on his return to the team.

The match is poised at half time, and should make for an interesting second 45 minutes.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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48’ The passing in this game has slowed almost to a crawl, are both sides waiting for half time?

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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45’ There will be four added minutes at the end of the first half

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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44’ Tosin has had a chance! But fired it well wide of the target and it would have taken something special from that distance.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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42’ CHANCE! Odegaard has played in Martinelli who over-extends trying to play it into the far corner beyond the reach of Leno, but he slips in the shot and sends it wide.

The Brazilian already has an assist in the match, as it was his shot that Leno saved into the path of Saka for the opening goal after less than five minutes of play.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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41’ The pace of the game has almost caused Craven Cottage to fall quiet, but Fulham have been good in this match, although Arsenal look some way off their best that saw them rise to the top of the table and occupy the position they were in before Christmas.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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38’ Saka attacked Robinson on the right-hand side, and tried to play the ball into the box, but it sailed over Havertz in the box and out for a throw-in.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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37’ Fulham are pressing high, but should be wary of being caught on the break, as Arsenal’s early goal came from a quick move down the line.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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34’ Arsenal have not looked as comfortable in the last 10 minutes leading up to the Fulham goal and since, while the home side have looked to keep attacking and make the most of the passage of play.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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32’ Fulham had not found the net in their last two Premier League matches, but the return of Jimenez has provided the finishing touch they lacked against Burnley and Bournemouth.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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28’ Willian played in Cairney who just picked out Jimenez at the far post. The forward placed the ball into the back of the net but it was a well-crafted move and capitalised by poor defensive-placement from Kiwior, who had allowed Jimenez too much space.

GOAL! Jimenez levels the score - Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

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28’ GOAL! Jimenez is back from suspension and on the scoresheet! Fulham level the score

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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27’ Saka looks to play it behind for Havertz, but the pass is long and Leno is able to gather the ball and launch another Fulham attack.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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26’ The ground is quiet and the game itself almost feels a bit subdued as the players comfortably play it around without much attacking intent.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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24’ Raya is okay, and after that brief stoppage, play has continued. Fulham have had four shots including one on target since Saka’s opener.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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23’ Concerning moment for Arsenal as David Raya is down and receiving treatment, but it looks like it might just be a contact lens out of place.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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22’ Jimenez sends a header wide from a corner, the chances are coming now, but mostly for the home side.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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21’ Willian and Iwobi have both had shots blocked! But Fulham fans feel aggrieved over a clumsy tackle from Saliba on De Cordova-Reid in the penalty box, but not enough for a spot-kick.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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19’ Chance! Willian wins a ball back after an Iwobi cross is not dealt with, he looked to curl it into the far corner, but it went quite wide of the target.

That was a good opportunity for the home side.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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18’ Both sides are trying to find a breakthrough, but the backlines are holding strong, of course Arsenal need slightly less urgency following their early goal.

This result would be enough for the Gunners to end the year top of the Premier League.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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16’ Arsenal are looking to deliver from wide areas, and have a chance, but commit a foul when trying to deliver the ball a second time.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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14’ SAVE! That was a great move from Fulham! Willian linked up with Robinson, who picked out Jimenez in the centre.

The forward controlled the low shot, but Raya was able to dive down and deny the forward.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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12’ Fulham are trying to play out from the back as is their usual style under Marco Silva, and they are finding some joy on the right hand side, against the relatively inexperienced Kiwior, with Castagne eager to get forwards.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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10’ Since the goal, the game just seems to have slowed down somewhat, although Arsenal are looking up for this clash with some fluent passing movements.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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7’ Fulham will have to be sharp in the final third, they are not likely to get many chances and will want to make those they do get count.

They have been handed a boost with the return of Jimenez, who spent the last three matches sidelined through suspension.

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

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5’ After a brief VAR check for offside, the goal stands, Leno had been alert to make the initial save, but when the ball bounced back to Saka, he touched home for his sixth goal of the season.

Fulham 0-0 Arsenal

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4’ GOAL! Saka fired Arsenal ahead

Fulham 0-0 Arsenal

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3’ SHOT! Rice tried to play in Odegaard, but Pereira fought him to the touchline for that, but the captain manage to get a shot underway which went just wide of the home side’s goal.

Fulham 0-0 Arsenal

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2’ Arsenal have had most of the possession so far, which is to be expected, but Fulham have held a tight press whenever the Gunners break into their half

Fulham 0-0 Arsenal

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1’ Arsenal kick the game underway and the final matches of 2023 have started in the Premier League

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Fulham have not played since Boxing Day, while Arsenal were in action on 28 December, will that have an impact on the energy levels of the sides? Kick off is in just two minutes’ time.

Fulham vs Arsenal

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The players are in the tunnel by the Cottage waiting to walk across the pitch to line up in front of the new, and still uncompleted Riverside Stand on the banks on the Thames.

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Maro Silva also spoke to Sky Sports, notably about the return of Jimenez and Willian: “They are both key players for us. Of course we believe in all our players, we have a very good group, but it is difficult when you have three or four key players out our team.”

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta spoke to Sky Sports ahead of the match, saying: “We played less than 72 hours ago and are going to need a lot of energy to beat Fulham.”

But he avoided dwelling on the missed opportunities against the Hammers: “I fully trust my players. We are generating so many situations and when that happens goals will come. Today, hopefully we will be more efficient.”

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Just 15 minutes to go until the game kicks off

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Here are some photos of the teams warming up:

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Less than half an hour to go until kick-off now, and the players will be out on the field warming up ahead of the match, which will kick off at 2pm.

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Looking at January, here is a look at some of the transfer rumour mill:

What the papers say

Mohamed Salah remains a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League but they will have to wait beyond January, according to the Daily Mirror. Liverpool are not expected to agree to a mid-season sale for the 31-year-old forward with bids expected to come in the summer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is likely to concentrate on loan deals in January, reports the Daily Mirror. The club needs to offload players before making any signings with reinforcements on the cards after a string of injuries.

Rumours: Saudi sides told to wait for Salah and Palace line up Steve Cooper

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Here are some photos of the fans arriving at Craven Cottage:

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Now here’s a look ahead to who Arsenal might try and sign in January by The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney:

Arsenal are investigating whether a deal can be done for Ivan Toney this January, as Mikel Arteta wants the Brentford forward and now leans towards a striker for this window’s business.

Arteta has been weighing up which positions to prioritise with a restricted budget, but his side’s recent struggles in front of goal have increasingly convinced him of the need to bolster the attack.

Arsenal keen on Ivan Toney but major stumbling blocks could scupper transfer

Fulham team news

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Marco Silva has made three changes from the Boxing Day 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Raul Jimenez makes his return following a three-match ban, while Willian, who has also missed the last three matches, is back to play against his former club.

Kenny Tete is on the bench with Timothy Castagne chosen at right-back.

Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Willian, Iwobi; Jimenez

Subs: Rodak, Tete, Reed, Wilson, Ballo-Toure, Pereira, Muniz, Lukic, Diop

Arsenal team news

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made three changes to his starting line up, following the disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham.

Kai Havertz, who was suspended for that clash on December 28 returns to replace Leandro Trossard.

There is no place in the squad for Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Jakub Kiwior starting at left back.

Eddie Nketiah is chosen over Gabriel Jesus to lead the line.

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Subs: Ramsdale, Gabriel Jesus, Smith Rowe, Cedric, Tomiyasu, Trossard, Jorginho, Nelson, Elneny

Arsenal team news

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Arsenal have named their team.

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Here are some photos of the teams arriving at Craven Cottage:

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Arsenal missed the chance to return to the top of the Premier League as they slipped to a disappointing defeat against West Ham amid more VAR controversy.

The Gunners needed victory to replace Liverpool at the summit but lost 2-0 to the Hammers on a night where David Moyes finally landed a victory at the Emirates Stadium.

His West Ham side lost Kurt Zouma ahead of the game and Lucas Paqueta after just over half an hour but hit the front through Tomas Soucek’s strike, awarded after VAR could not determine whether the whole ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

Arsenal show why Premier League title may slip away – and it’s not down to VAR

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Here’s a look back at Arsenal’s last match, a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham:

Mikel Arteta admitted his side came up short in both boxes as Arsenal slumped to defeat to West Ham to miss out on regaining top spot in the Premier League.

The Gunners remain behind Liverpool as they lost 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on what Arteta conceded was one of the most frustrating nights of his four-year tenure as Arsenal boss.

Tomas Soucek’s opener – awarded after the VAR could not determine whether the whole ball had gone out of play in the build up – and a second-half header from former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos earned the visitors a deserved win. Things could have been even better had Said Benrahma not had a stoppage-time penalty saved by David Raya on a night where Arteta applauded the performances of the opposition.

Mikel Arteta pinpoints Arsenal’s problems in costly defeat to West Ham

Fulham vs Arsenal

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Martin Odegaard is hoping the “brutal” way Arsenal lost the Premier League title last season can help them lift the trophy this year.

The Gunners led the way for 248 days during the last campaign before ultimately being caught and passed by eventual champions Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s side are once again in among the contenders this season but missed the chance to move back to the summit as they slipped to a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham on Thursday night.

Martin Odegaard wants Arsenal to take fuel from 2023 title heartbreak

Fulham vs Arsenal

12:05 , Sonia Twigg

Here is all the info on how to watch Arsenal vs Fulham:

Arsenal‘s title challenge continues in full force as they make the trip to Craven Cottage with their sights set on regaining top spot from Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can shake off a shock 2-0 loss to West Ham on Thursday night and get back to winning ways when Arsenal face Fulham this afternoon.

Is Fulham vs Arsenal on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch

Fulham vs Arsenal

11:28 , Sonia Twigg

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Fulham vs Arsenal, with the Gunners looking to end what has been a disappointing festive period on a high.

Stay tuned for all the live coverage of the team news, match and post-match reaction.