By NewsBits
Pundits the world over believed Arsenal were under pressure to win after City’s late victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday and they responded emphatically, scoring three times in a rampant first half. All three goals were created by Leandro Trossard, with Gabriel Magalhaes in the 21st minute, Gabriel Martinelli in the 26th, and Martin Odegaard in the second minute of the first-half stoppage time.
There was a further boost for Mikel Arteta’s side as Gabriel Jesus made his return from injury as a late substitute having not played since the World Cup in November, which was hosted by Qatar where he picked injury and went under the knife.
Fulham improved in the second half, forcing Aaron Ramsdale into action on a couple of occasions and rattling the bar through Aleksandar Mitrovic, but Arsenal remained a threat at the other end, with Jesus nearly marking his comeback with a goal when he was denied by Bernd Leno former Arsenal number one goalkeeper.
The victory ensures Arsenal maintain a healthy lead over City at the top of the Premier League, their title chase gathering momentum with a fifth consecutive win, which never really looked in doubt. Arsenal have the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with Sporting Lisbon on Thursday at the Emirates Stadium and a win will see them advance to the last eight.
The Gunners will later return to Premier League action with a home fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday, March 19, 2023, where a win will see them go eight points clear at the top of the table before Manchester City’s game.
Fulham will be in FA Cup action next weekend with an away tie against Manchester United on Sunday. Their next Premier League game comes against Bournemouth after the international break on April 1, 2023.
