London, Dec 31: Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League at New Year after a disappointing defeat at Fulham.
Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead inside five minutes but Raul Jimenez equalised on his return from suspension, before Bobby Decordova-Reid scrambled home the winner on the hour.
The loss left Arsenal fourth and two points behind leaders Liverpool, who host Newcastle on New Year’s Day.
Fulham are 13th after ending a run of three straight defeats.
Arsenal made the perfect start with a fifth-minute opener following a quick break from the back. Gabriel Martinelli’s curling shot from the left was palmed out by former Gunners keeper Bernd Leno, allowing Saka to stick out a right leg and loop the ball into the net from six yards.
But Fulham reacted well during the match and equalised in the 29th minute when Willian, another ex-Arsenal player in the home ranks, fed captain Tom Cairney down the left and his dangerous low cross was swept in by Jimenez.
Marco Silva’s men deservedly claimed the winner from a corner when Decordova-Reid stabbed a finish past David Raya following pinball in the box – condemning Arsenal to consecutive losses following the 2-0 home defeat to West Ham on Thursday.
This result and performance was the closing act of a dismal Christmas period for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, which has seen them fail to win in three successive Premier League matches for the first time this season.
They have picked up just one point over the last eight days, and could find themselves five behind leaders Liverpool should the Reds beat Newcastle.
Given Arsenal were top at Christmas after taking a point at Anfield on 23 December, it represents a worrying turnaround which boss Arteta will need to address quickly.
He did make changes here from the loss against West Ham, including starting Eddie Nketiah up front in place of the benched Gabriel Jesus.
But while Nketiah again showed plenty of endeavour, he struggled to make a meaningful impact in attack as Arsenal continue to lack a cutting edge compared to their title rivals – which will only heighten talk of Arteta needing to sign another striker in January. (Agencies)
Spurs outwit Cherries 3-1
London, Dec 31: Tottenham finished 2023 on a high with victory over an energetic Bournemouth in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Pape Sarr opened the scoring when Rodrigo Bentancur latched on to Neto’s casual pass out from the back and it broke for Sarr, who drilled it into the far corner.Smarting from a 4-2 loss to Brighton in midweek, an injury-hit Spurs watched as Bournemouth enjoyed plenty of chances and looked likely to level.But the visitors lacked a clinical edge in the final third and Son Heung-min doubled his side’s lead with a superb left-footed strike which went in off a post before Richarlison swept home to wrap up the points for Ange Postecoglou’s side.Alex Scott steered home a consolation goal but the Cherries will likely wonder how they allowed the scoreline to get away from them and leave London empty-handed. (Agencies)
