Arsenal’s Gabriel celebrates scoring his first goal with William Saliba. , Photo Credit: Reuters
Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic 3–0 win over Fulham on 12 March and created a little piece of top-flight history in the process.
Gabriel, Gabriele Martinelli and captain Martin Odegaard all scored in the first half as the Gunners became the first team to win five consecutive London derbies without conceding a single goal.
The Gunners started the day within two points of second-placed Manchester City after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
With 11 games remaining, Mikel Arteta’s side can extend their gap to eight points in the Premier League with a home win against Crystal Palace next Sunday ahead of Manchester City’s next appointment.
“How does it feel? It’s Final 11 for us, we take it game by game,” said Leandro Trossard, who had a trio of Arsenal take advantage of Fulham’s porous defense at Craven Cottage.
“It’s also about keeping clean sheets. Today we played brilliantly; to keep it zero, you only need to score one. It was three, we’re really happy with that.”
Marco Silva’s Fulham Cottagers, who had lost only once in their last seven home games in all competitions, are eighth in the league.
Gabriel, who also scored his first goal of 2020 against Fulham, put Arsenal on the scoreboard in the 21st minute with a header inside the six-yard box from Trossard’s corner kick.
The Gunners looked to get on the board earlier too but an Antoine Robinson own goal was ruled offside by VAR.
Trossard tripped Martinelli in the 26th minute when his arching cross hit the far post for an easy header, Brazil’s 12th goal of the season. Only four Premier League players have scored more.
Seconds before halftime, Odegaard took two touches to control Trossard’s cross before smashing the ball past Fulham – and former Arsenal – keeper Bernd Leno.
Trossard, who was signed by Arsenal in January, said he had no negative feelings about not scoring.
“Really very happy with it, I always try to help the team score goals and help the team progress,” said the Belgian. “Today, it went my way and I’m really happy we won.”
Brazilian Gabriel Jesus earned roars from Gunners fans when he entered the game in the 77th minute, his first action since suffering a knee injury at the World Cup in November.
“It’s a big boost, he’s been out for a while now and we know what he’s going to give to the team again, and we’re all excited to have him back,” Odegaard said. “So happy for him and for the team.”
Jesus almost scored in the 85th minute but his shot from close range went straight to the keeper.
Fulham found some life midway through the second half, with some fine scoring chances, including Aleksandar Mitrović’s header which hit the crossbar.