Arsenal vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League latest score and goal updates as Leno denies Saka from close-range
Saka #Saka
Arsenal look to continue their winning run as they take on Fulham in Saturday’s late Premier League kick off. The Gunners are the only team left in the league with a 100 per cent winning record after wins against Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth. They sit top of the table – before today’s 3pm kick offs – and look in incredible touch this year.
Gabriel Jesus has been instrumental to their fast start and the confidence Mikel Arteta’s side have been playing with so far is running all through the team. The Brazilian scored twice in his home debut over Leicester and will look to be on target again against the newly-promoted side.
For their part, Fulham have also made a good start to life back in the Premier League. After draws against Liverpool and Wolves, Marco Silva’s side got their first victory with a last-minute Aleksandr Mitrovic winner against Brentford last weekend though they did suffer a setback in midweek by being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two’s Crawley.
Follow all the action from the Emirates stadium as Arsenal host Fulham in the Premier League:
Arsenal vs Fulham
86’ Goal! – Redemption for Gabriel as he turns in a corner from inside the six-yard box (ARS 2-1 FUL)
64’ Goal! – Martin Odegaard’s deflected strike beats Leno and the Gunners are level! (ARS 1-1 FUL)
56’ Goal! – Mitrovic shoves Gabriel off the ball and guides it past Ramsdale to send Fulham in front (ARS 0-1 FUL)
35’ Save! – Bernd Leno keeps Arsenal at bay with close-ranged stop to deny Bukayo Saka (ARS 0-0 FUL)
30’ Chance! – Last ditch defending from Tim Ream denies Gabriel Jesus (ARS 0-0 FUL)
15’ Chance! – Xhaka volleys an effort high and wide (ARS 0-0 FUL)
Arsenal FC 2 – 1 Fulham FC
Full-time: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
19:25 , Michael Jones
90+8 mins: Arsenal complete the comeback win! They’ve cancelled out Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener and make it four wins in a row to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
19:24 , Michael Jones
Story continues
90+5 mins: Time will be added on due to the clash of heads and a couple of substitutions from Mikel Arteta. Aaron Ramsdale just boots the ball long and as Arsenal look to keep it inside Fulham’s half.
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
19:20 , Michael Jones
90+2 mins: It’s Arsenal’s turn for the scrambling defence. Reid and Gabriel clash heads as the defender looks to clear his own lines. There’s a break in play now whilst the players are seen to.
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
19:18 , Michael Jones
90 mins: Five added minutes to go.
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
19:18 , Michael Jones
89 mins: Save! Arsenal almost have victory snatched away from them as a Fulham free kick is curled into the box where Fulham substitute Jay Stansfield gets free of his marker and turns the ball towards goal.
Ramsdale falls to his left and palms the effort away!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Fulham (86’, Gabriel)⚽️
19:13 , Michael Jones
86 mins: It’s a comeback! Martinelli’s corner ball is drilled into the box where William Saliba leaps at the ball alongside Bernd Leno. The Fulham goalkeeper fails to punch it away and the ball hits Saliba before dropping to Gabriel.
He’s the first to react and pokes it into the net before a VAR check confirms that the goal should stand!
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
19:12 , Michael Jones
85 mins: Tosin gets a head to Martinelli’s curling shot and Arsenal win a corner. The ball drops in between a cluster of bodies but White’s snapshot is blocked and booted away.
Arsenal are hammering on the door, they’ve got to score, surely. Fulham are doing brilliantly to keep them out.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
19:10 , Michael Jones
83 mins: Chance! Martinelli has moved back over to the left side and is played in behind Mbabu. He guides the ball back into the middle of the box where Nketiah arrives and sidefoots his effort straight into the waiting hands of Bernd Leno!
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
19:09 , Michael Jones
81 mins: Elneny receives the ball after White loses it high up the pitch. He gives it to Odegaard who dribbles around two Fulham players before drilling a shot straight into a defender,
The visitors have plenty of men back inside their own box now. They’re hanging on for a draw.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
19:06 , Michael Jones
78 mins: Martinelli plays an Arsenal corner short to Xhaka but gets it back before overhitting his cross to Jesus at the back post,
Fulham make a couple of changes and take some time out of the game. Issa Diop comes on to make his Premier League debut for Fulham.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
19:04 , Michael Jones
75 mins: Close! There’s not many options on for Eddie Nketiah after he’s played into the right side of the box by Martinelli – who seems desperate to get Arsenal a win.
Nketiah cuts inside and laces a left-footed effort wide of the back post.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
19:01 , Michael Jones
72 mins: Martinelli’s cross from the right wing is headed away by Ream whose touch is vital as Nketiah was sneaking in behind him to get to the ball.
It’s the Gunners’ turn to apply the pressure and another Martinelli cross almost drops for Jesus but somehow the visitors scramble this one clear too.
Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
18:58 , Michael Jones
69 mins: Chances! Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fulham are now the ones in the ascendancy. The forward is getting plenty of crosses and is clambering all over the Arsenal defence.
Three times now he’s won aerial balls but none have found the target.
We’ve got a real contest on.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Fulham (64’, Odegaard)⚽️
18:52 , Michael Jones
64 mins: Martin Odegaard equalises for Arsenal! Bukayo Saka drives up the right side of the pitch before darting into the box and laying the ball off to Odegaard.
The Arsenal captain rolls the ball onto his left foot and shoots. Leno seemingly has it covered but the effort deflects off Tosin Adarabioyo and wrong foots the keeper before nestling into the back of the net.
Arsenal 0-1 Fulham
18:51 , Michael Jones
63 mins: Ben White feeds the ball into the box for Jesus who’s cross is blocked by Ream and then cleared by Robinson. Arsenal are continuing to push high up the pitch.
Eddie Nketiah is getting himself into decent areas.
Arsenal 0-1 Fulham
18:48 , Michael Jones
60 mins: Mikel Arteta is calling on reinforcements and has pulle Eddie Nketiah off the bench. The forward receives some last minute instructions before he comes on to replace Kieran Tierney.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Fulham (56’, Mitrovic)⚽️
18:44 , Michael Jones
56 mins: Fulham lead! Awful mistake from Gabriel.
It’s a shocker from the Arsenal defender who brings a cross field pass under control and dallies on the ball. Aleksandar Mitrovic sprints over to him, knocks him off the ball and just has Aaron Ramsdale to beat.
Mitrovic looks to the right then sends his effort straight into the far bottom corner and Fulham take a surprising second half lead.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:42 , Michael Jones
55 mins: Save! Martinelli finds Odegaard right in front of goal but a long way out. He shifts inside of Robinson and blasts one at goal, there’s swerve on the ball but Leno leaps over to his left and pushes the effort away!
Great save from the Fulham keeper but Arsenal are turning up the heat.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:40 , Michael Jones
53 mins: Antonee Robinson collects a yellow card for a lunging tackle over to the right side of the Fulham box and Arsenal have a free kick.
Odegaard swings it into the middle and after a deflection it bounces down to Martinelli who shoots on the turn and sees his effort blocked.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:37 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Odegaard guides the ball over to Saka on the right wing but he’s dispossessed by Robinson who turns the ball out of play.
Arsenal’s throw in results in Jesus crossing one into the back post but Martinelli’s header loops up for Leno to cling onto.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:35 , Michael Jones
48 mins: William Saliba fouls Aleksandar Mitrovic by catching the heel of the Fulham striker. Mitrovic stays down and the referee has a word with the Arsenal defender.
No further punishment is required but Mitrovic needs looking at from the medical staff.
Second half: Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:33 , Michael Jones
Kick off: What can the Gunners conjure in the second half of this match? They’ve been on fire in front of goal so far this year and have some work to do to get in front here.
The home side get the match restarted.
Liverpool on cloud nine with record-equalling Bournemouth thrashing
18:26 , Michael Jones
Stop Mohamed Salah and you stop Liverpool? Not exactly.
Bournemouth left Anfield having prevented the Egyptian from scoring or creating a goal. Their problem was that they also departed defeated by a record margin.
Liverpool equalled the biggest ever Premier League win, set twice by Manchester United and once by Leicester, and their own biggest league victory, the famous 9-0 against Crystal Palace and a 10-1 demolition of Rotherham Town in 1896.
If there was an oddity that Jurgen Klopp’s 21st-century side mustered nine goals without their main marksman finding the net, the banned Darwin Nunez had further reasons to rue his absence.
Even as Salah missed, others capitalised on Bournemouth’s abject haplessness. They took the opportunity to run riot.
Liverpool on cloud nine with record-equalling Bournemouth thrashing
HT Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:22 , Michael Jones
Despite Arsenal’s best efforts there’s nothing to separate the two teams at half-time. It’s been a frustrating 45 minutes for the Gunners who’ve created eight chances but only manage one on target.
(Action Images via Reuters)
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Half-time: Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:17 , Michael Jones
45+1 mins: Late pressure from Arsenal sees Fulham clinging on but they make it into the break with the scores all square.
It’s been a fairly one-sided match but Arsenal haven’t been able to break down the visitors.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:16 , Michael Jones
44 mins: Gabriel Jesus and Palhinha get into a bit of a barney after the Fulham midfielder leaves too much on Bukayo Saka during a tackle.
The Brazilian striker isn’t pleased and squares up to his opponent with both players eventually getting yellow cards.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:13 , Michael Jones
41 mins: Palhinha forces Odegaard off the ball and looks to kick start Fulham into a counter-attack. He shifts down the pitch before sliding one inside to Pereira.
Arsenal get back quickly and Fulham run into trouble.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:09 , Michael Jones
38 mins: Fulham switch the play over to the left side of the pitch where Neekens Kebano brings the ball down on the stretch and drives past Ben White. He then plays the ball inside to Andreas Pereira who whips a first time shot over to the far corner and smokes it over the crossbar!
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:05 , Michael Jones
35 mins: Save! Xhaka is bungled off the ball in the middle of the pitch but Martinelli is close behind to collect the ball and thread it through the lines for Bukayo Saka.
Saka gets in behind Robinson, brings the ball under control and shifts it to his left foot before letting fly.
Bernd Leno – the former Arsenal no. 1 – is sharply off his line and pulls off a great save with his body to deny his former club the lead!
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:02 , Michael Jones
32 mins: Jesus is knocked over by Tosin just outside the box over to the left of the penalty area. Gabriel Martinelli stands over the free kick and whips his shot well over the crossbar.
That wasn’t a good effort.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
18:00 , Michael Jones
30 mins: Chance! Gabriel Martinelli chests the ball under control and flicks it over the top as Gabriel Jesus flies through the lines.
He brings it under control, takes a touch into the area and looks to shoot just as Tim Ream arrives and slides into the ball to knock it behind for a corner kick.
The corner comes to nothing for Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:58 , Michael Jones
27 mins: Jesus fizzes a ball across the box to Saka who wins it in the air ahead of Antonee Robinson but there’s no-one in the box for his nod down.
Fulham scramble it clear but Arsenal recover the ball and sweep up the pitch again.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:55 , Michael Jones
24 mins: Fulham win a free kick and Andreas Pereira rolls it short to Harrison Reed. He boots it long and tries to pick out a team-mate on the right side of the box but Aaron Ramsdale comes off his line and plucks it out of the air.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:53 , Michael Jones
21 mins: Nearly! Arsenal are banging on the door with Saka and Jesus combining on the right side of the box before Saka slides a pass over to Odegaard.
The midfielder threads it back into the area to match Saka’s run but he’s tackled by Tosin before getting a shot away!
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:49 , Michael Jones
18 mins: Close! Bukayo Saka drifts inside from the right and gives the ball to Odegaard who’s pass across to Kieran Tierney is intercepted.
The Gunners recover the ball though and keep the pressure on the front edge of the box. It’s dinked into the area where Gabriel Martinelli squeezes ahead of Kenny Tete and prods a lunging effort wide of the back post!
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:47 , Michael Jones
15 mins: Close! This is some slick play from Arsenal. Martin Odegaard swings a cross over to the left side of the box where Gabriel Jesus brings it down and lays a pass off to the arriving Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka sidefoots a volley at goal but doesn’t quite catch it and his effort sails wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:44 , Michael Jones
12 mins: Bobby Decordova-Reid has Fulham’s first shot and wins a corner when it gets deflected behind. Aleksandar Mitrovic seems like the obvious target for the delivery but the ball falls to Joao Palhinha who smashes his own shot at goal well over the bar.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:41 , Michael Jones
9 mins: Tim Ream gets across to prevent Bukayo Saka running clean in on goal after a mistake by Tosin Adarabioyo. Fulham are looking nervous and Arsenal are sensing opportunities to pounce.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:37 , Michael Jones
6 mins: Andreas Pereira fouls Granit Xhaka in the middle of the pitch and Arsenal win a free kick. Fulham are pushing forward, not allowing the Gunners time on the ball in midfield and the home side are having to work it over to the wide areas to keep possession.
Bukayo Saka runs into trouble from Neeskens Kebano but manages to come away with the ball and guide it calmly back to Ben White.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:33 , Michael Jones
3 mins: Arsenal win an early corner that Gabriel Martinelli dinks short to Gabriel Jesus. Jesus tries to twist and turn into space but he’s stuck going nowhere and misplaces his pass back to Martinelli whose jogged into the box to help him out.
Fulham work the ball clear.
Kick off: Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:31 , Michael Jones
Fulham kick off the match. This is the best start to a top-flight campaign for them in 12 years. Immediate Gabriel Jesus pushes up the pitch and closes down Tosin Adarbioyo who boots the ball down the right wing and to safety.
Arsenal vs Fulham
17:27 , Michael Jones
Here come the teams.
The atmosphere has built nicely inside the ground as the Arsenal fans believe they can add another win to their tally. Can the Gunners make it four from four?
Arsenal vs Fulham
17:24 , Michael Jones
The warm-ups are done and kick off is coming up quickly. Who will triumph at the Emirates stadium this evening?
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Mikel Arteta reaches 100 games in charge of Arsenal
17:20 , Michael Jones
Today’s match is Mikel Arteta’s 100th game in charge of the Gunners. He first took charge on Boxing Day 2019 and 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth.
Both George Graham and Arsène Wenger celebrated their landmark games with victories, and if Arteta can follow suit against Fulham, he’ll make it 53 wins from his first 100 games.
That’s 15 more than Graham managed, and just one fewer than Wenger. In his 99 games so far the Gunners have scored 157 goals and taken 172 points.
Arteta said: “I’ve just found out about it – time flies!
“It is such a privilege to be in this football club and reach that number, and hopefully we can extend that for a long period and bring joy and a lot of wins.”
Pereira on Arsenal
17:15 , Michael Jones
Fulham’s Andreas Pereira – who joined the club this summer from Manchester United – says that his team have to be at their best if they want to take anything away from a confident and high-flying Arsenal side.
“They’ve started very well.” said the midfielder, “We’ve watched all of their games, we know they’re in a very good place, they’re feeling good, they’re confident. We know it’s going to be a difficult game and we have to be at our best, we have to be very compact.
“We know that now they’re one of the best teams in the league, so we’re going to make it a good game, make it as difficult for them as possible, and try to steal away some points from them.”
Arsenal vs Fulham
17:10 , Michael Jones
Only in four previous top-flight campaigns have Arsenal won each of their first four matches of a season: 1930/31 (first five), 1947/48 (first six), 2003/04 (first four) and 2004/05 (first five).
Can they make it four from four tonight?
‘No justification’ for Crawley pitch invasion after Fulham cup upset, says EFL
17:05 , Michael Jones
Crawley supporters have been told there was “no justification” for the pitch invasion which followed Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup win over Premier League Fulham.
Hundreds of home fans spilled onto the field at Broadfield Stadium to celebrate the shock 2-0 victory over the Cottagers.
The English Football League (EFL) has condemned the actions of the perpetrators, in addition to those who “encourage and glorify” such behaviour on social media, and plans to work with the Sky Bet League Two club to identify those involved.
‘No justification’ for Crawley pitch invasion after Fulham cup upset, says EFL
Arteta on Arsenal improvements
17:00 , Michael Jones
Mikel Arteta was asked about the clear differences between his team from last year and the one lighting up the Premier League this season.
“The players that we have available now, and the players that we had available at that time.” said the Gunners’ boss. “We are in a different moment, a year has gone by.
“The same players that were playing a year ago, I can show some examples – especially with our development players – and where they are today is a completely different scenario.
“We’ve got good momentum, good energy around the place, and good confidence, so let’s keep going.”
Silva on whether Arsenal are title contenders
16:55 , Michael Jones
Fulham manager Marco Silva was asked whether he believed Arsenal were genuine contenters to lift the Premier League title after their three-match winning start.
“I don’t know what I can tell you,” he replied. “The Premier League is tough, the Premier League is not a race, it’s like a marathon and every single match you have to be really on your top.
“I’m not the right person to talk about if they are going to be contenders for one thing or the other. It’s more for Arteta to talk about that than myself.
“I can talk to you about what they did last three games at the beginning of the season, the way they started pre-season as well. They are playing good football, they are confident, you can see from the first minute of the first game the way they’ve started.
“Some players have come in and they’ve added something different for them as well. Gabriel Jesus is a good example, the central defender [William Saliba] is a good example as well, and they’ve added something important for them.
“They have a lot of individual quality, they are in a good moment, it will be tough for us, but we are in a good moment as well.
“Of course you want to go there to match them, to challenge them, to embrace the challenge that will definitely be a tough challenge for us, but we want to play the game and to match them.”
Arsenal vs Fulham
16:50 , Michael Jones
After ending a 24-match Premier League winless run in London derbies last weekend, Fulham are looking to win consecutive top-flight derbies for the first time since April 2013.
They defeated Brentford 3-2 with a last minute winner from Aleksandar Mitrovic. Can they get one over the Gunners today?
Mikel Arteta ‘very confident’ Bukayo Saka will sign new Arsenal deal
16:45 , Michael Jones
Mikel Arteta is “very confident” that England forward Bukayo Saka will sign a new deal at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
The 20-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and continues to be a vital part of Arteta’s side.
Saka finished as Arsenal’s top goal-scorer last season as he rose above the racist abuse he suffered after missing the deciding penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
Mikel Arteta ‘very confident’ Bukayo Saka will sign new Arsenal deal
Arsenal vs Fulham
16:40 , Michael Jones
Arsenal have won all of their last four Premier League home games, netting at least four times in the last two (5-1 vs Everton, 4-2 vs Leicester).
They haven’t scored 4+ goals in three consecutive home league games since May-September 2010 (4-0 vs Fulham, 6-0 vs Blackpool, 4-1 vs Bolton).
Will the Gunners find the target again this evening?
Arsenal vs Fulham team changes
16:35 , Michael Jones
Mikel Arteta makes two changes to the Arsenal side that defeated Bournemouth in their last Premier League outing. Mohamed Elneny and Kieran Tierney come in for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey.
Meanwhile, Fulham boss Marco Silva makes just one change from the win over Brentfordas Neeskens Kebano replaces Jay Stansfield.
Arsenal vs Fulham line-ups
16:32 , Michael Jones
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tierney, White, Gabriel, Saka, Odegaard, Jesus, Martinelli, Saliba, Elneny, Xhaka.
Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Adarabioyo, Reed, Kebano, Mitrovic, Ream, Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Palhinha, Robinson.
Arteta on facing Fulham
16:25 , Michael Jones
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expecting a difficult match against Fulham this evening after the ‘incredible run’ they’ve been on at the end of last year and since returning to the Premier League.
“It’ll be a really tough match.” said Arteta, “They’ve been on an incredible run – last year in the Championship they did extremely well, and they haven’t lost a game yet in the Premier League.
“They’ve played against three very difficult opponents, so credit to them. I think it will be a difficult game.”
Arsenal vs Fulham
16:20 , Michael Jones
Fulham have won just one of their last 15 Premier League meetings against Arsenal with five draws and nine defeats. They are winless in eight matches since a 2-1 home win in January 2012.
The Gunners meanwhile are unbeaten in their last 33 Premier League home games against promoted sides (28 wins, five draws) since a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in November 2010.
Mikel Arteta not getting carried away by table-topping Arsenal’s fast start
16:15 , Michael Jones
Mikel Arteta is not getting carried away despite his Arsenal side moving to the top of the Premier League following a comfortable win at Bournemouth.
The Gunners continued a perfect start to the campaign with a 3-0 victory on the south coast as an early Martin Odegaard double and a fine first Arsenal goal from William Saliba made it nine points from nine.
At this stage of last season, Arteta was facing calls to be axed as Arsenal boss as they sat bottom without a point or a goal.
But despite the turnaround, the Spaniard is keen to keep his feet on the ground and not let the winning start lead to complacency.
Mikel Arteta not getting carried away by table-topping Arsenal’s fast start
Danger man Mitrovic
16:08 , Michael Jones
Aleksandar Mitrovic has taken more shots (15) than any other player across the opening three matches of this season’s Premier League.
His three goals are as many as he scored in Fulham’s last campaign in the top-flight (2020/21).
(Getty Images)
Marco Silva on backing managers
16:03 , Michael Jones
Fulham boss, Marco Silva, says that Arsenal made the correct call in backing manager Mikel Arteta this time last season with the Gunners bottom of the table after three consecutive defeats and added that the Gunners a reaping the rewards of that faith right now.
“I think he’s one of the best examples of when you believe in the people who are in charge of your club, managing your club,” Silva said.
“When you believe in the staff it cannot be one bad run, one bad month, even if they are one of the biggest clubs in this country, or three or four bad games that can change everything.
“Of course, after time, everything will be put on the right track again. With time and supporting him, and of course it’s clear what they did in the market, some pieces that they brought in to give them the extra they needed, they started really well.
“They are confident, they are playing well, they are creating great dynamics inside the pitch as well, and of course they will be a tough team to play against.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko insists Arsenal need to be ‘focused on the next one’
15:58 , Michael Jones
Oleksandr Zinchenko has become accustomed to life in and around the top of the Premier League and is not getting carried away with new club Arsenal’s fine start to the season.
The Ukraine international moved to the Emirates Stadium from champions Manchester City in the summer and stood out as Mikel Arteta’s side won 3-0 at Bournemouth on Saturday.
A Martin Odegaard brace and a fine William Saliba strike continued Arsenal’s perfect start to the campaign as they made in nine points from nine.
Oleksandr Zinchenko insists Arsenal need to be ‘focused on the next one’
Recent encounters at the Emirates
15:53 , Michael Jones
The teams drew 1-1 in April 2021 when Eddie Nketiah cancelled out a Josh Maja penalty.
Before that the Gunners recorded a 4-1 victory on New Year’s Day 2019 when Bukayo Saka made his league debut.
You have to go back to the 2013/14 for the last previous time Fulham travelled to Arsenal in a game where Santi Cazorla scored twice in a 2-0 Arsenal victory.
Arsenal’s best new signing?
15:48 , Michael Jones
Gabriel Jesus has been involved in five goals in his first three Premier League appearances for Arsenal (two goals, three assists).
It is the most of any Gunners player in their first three games for the club in the competition. Jesus has also had four goals and four assists in his last four Premier League starts against newly promoted opponents.
(REUTERS)
Arsenal vs Fulham early team news
15:43 , Michael Jones
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a near fully-fit squad to choose from with only Reiss Nelson, who has a thigh injury, missing. Nicolas Pepe joined Nice on a season-long loan earlier this week.
Fulham midfielder Neeskens Kebano missed last week’s win over Brentford with a groin injury and will be assessed before this game.
But Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon are definitely out as they are recovering from knee injuries. Both players face several more weeks on the sidelines.
Mikel Arteta will not guarantee Arsenal will sign Nicolas Pepe replacement
15:38 , Michael Jones
Mikel Arteta believes the current transfer market is tougher than ever, predicting a “very powerful” end to the window, but offered no guarantees Arsenal would sign a replacement for Nicolas Pepe.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table and are the only club to boast a perfect start to the season following their win at Bournemouth last week.
Recruiting early has been key to their strong opening, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko signed before a ball was kicked in earnest.
Mikel Arteta will not guarantee Arsenal will sign Nicolas Pepe replacement
Fulham’s recent results
15:33 , Michael Jones
Fulham started their season brilliantly and were unlucky to come away from Craven Cottage with only a point after impressing against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The Cottagers twice went ahead in the game but on both occasions were reigned in and in the end had to settle for a point.
It was a sketchier affair against Wolves in their next match but they created some decent chances and just couldn’t convert. That game ended 0-0 to give Fulham their second point of the season.
They finally earned their first win last time out with a last minute winner from Aleksandar Mitrovic. A close-fought battle with Brentford looked to be ending in another draw but Mitrovic popped up to find the back of the net in the final minute to send Craven Cottage wild.
Recent results for Arsenal
15:29 , Michael Jones
Coming up later tonight, Arsenal host Fulham at the Emirates stadium in an attempt to kept their 100 per cent winning record in tact.
They kicked off the Premier League season with a 2-0 victory away to Crystal Palace. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring before a Marc Guehi own goal completed the win.
Next up were Leicester City and Gabriel Jesus got his first goals in an Arsenal shirt to help them to a 4-2 victory against the Foxes.
Last time out was another convincing win with Bournemouth falling to a 3-0 loss. Martin Odegaard scored twice before William Saliba capped off an exceptional performance with a goal of his own.
More from the Manchester United boss
15:08 , Michael Jones
“It has to be the standard for Manchester United. It has to be normal but also you celebrate every win because you have to fight for it. We learnt from our lesson in Brentford.
“There is room for improvement but there was also some really good football. The last half an hour was a survival and there I think we can do better.
“There was not always pressure on the ball but [the defenders] stayed compact and were straight in the duals. I was comfortable they would deal with it. The finish [from Bruno Fernandes] was magnificent but the part before, it was a team goal. We built it up from the back and there were some more moments straight after half time where it was well played from the team. We have to improve in possession.
“The win against Liverpool gave us a lot of belief because we knew we could compete against one of the best teams in the world. Still at the start of the season it is really tough and hard work so everyone in the squad needs to be conscious of that.
“The transfer window… you don’t know what to expect. We will see. As Manchester United you always have to try do better so we can see if we can strengthen the squad, if not we will do with what we have got.”
(Manchester United via Getty Imag)
A delighted Erik ten Hag tells BT Sport
15:05 , Michael Jones
“I think the players learnt some lessons from Brentford. We were more compact on the long balls. Of course we were really happy. The goal we created, we could have made more. You hope to have more control in the last 30 minutes of the game.
“Before half time we already had the best chance of the game. I was satisfied. At the start of the game we could have created more. It is the start of the season, it is tough. You have to battle and we did that today so we were rewarded.
“It was a fantastic finish. I am really happy for Bruno [Fernandes]. But I think it was the best part of us. We kept control straight after half time. We moved it around and we created three really good chances straight after half time and that is how I want us to play.
“I still feel there is room for improvement, to control more, but we are not that long in our way. We can improve that is clear.”
Moussa Djenepo’s post match reaction
14:59 , Michael Jones
Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo gave his post-match reaction following the 1-0 loss to Manchester United saying: “We give everything. It is football so sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The most important thing is to keep going with the hard work. We played like a family on the pitch, compact and a lot of communication. We work every day.
“We will take the positive things to prepare for the next game. We are a young team and we want to learn altogether. We will find a good way together.”
Bruno Fernandes volleys Manchester United past Southampton to successive league wins
14:50 , Michael Jones
Bruno Fernandes finally corrects course, as Manchester United continue to rectify errors.
That doesn’t just apply to the season and the line-up, but this entire 1-0 victory over Southampton – and especially the match-winning Portuguese. United are still capable of moments, but Erik ten Hag needs to build them up into complete performances.
His were obviously improved on Brentford, but weren’t as good as against Liverpool, and there were many long passages when Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side seemed certain to get something out of the game. One of those was Joe Aribo’s close-range header, after yet another United passage of play had broken down.
Bruno Fernandes volleys Manchester United past Southampton to successive league wins
FT Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:45 , Michael Jones
Post-match reaction from Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl who told BT Sport: “I’m very proud of what the guys did today. They did a really good job from the first minute. We had good moments and chances, we really stretched them. We deserved more but sometimes football is like this.
“We had very good moments and a lot of good chances in the box. They had two shots on target in the second half. I felt we were always dangerous. Every set piece was dangerous and we were really stretching them, but the ball didn’t want to go in.
“I’m not scared with this team because they really fight for our targets and this is good to see.”
FT Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:39 , Michael Jones
Only Mohamed Salah (54), Harry Kane (49) and Son Heung-Min (45) have scored more Premier League goals than Bruno Fernandes (37) since his debut in February 2020.
Good company to be in.
FT Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:36 , Michael Jones
Manchester United goalscorer Bruno Fernandes spoke to BT Sport after the game saying: “We knew it playing against Southampton, it is not easy. We have experienced that already. Sometimes you have to suffer. Every game is tough. Well done to us. Massive three points for us. Now we have to carry on.
“It’s important because one win or two wins don’t make the league. We have to carry on this sacrifice for the rest of the season. It is what this club demands. After Liverpool everyone could feel it. We set the standard so we have to carry on now and if we can, improve it.
“It was a great ball [for the goal], even great play from behind. Everything was perfect. Someone runs, someone gets the space behind. We did it well, so well done to everyone not just me.
“We did two or three seasons ago not losing from home but we want to win every game that’s what it’s about to play for Manchester United.”
FT Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:31 , Michael Jones
Two wins in two for Manchester United moves them to within three points of league leaders Arsenal.
(REUTERS)
(Manchester United via Getty Imag)
(Manchester United via Getty Imag)
FT Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:26 , Michael Jones
It’s been 188 days since Manchester United last won away from home in the league but they’ve seen off Southampton to claim all three points.
Full-time: Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:23 , Michael Jones
90+6 mins: There’s the whistle! Manchester United win back-to-back games for the first time since February. They’re now up to sixth in the table before this afternoon’s 3pm games kick off.
It was a well-fought, disciplined and at time scrappy win for the Red Devils but Erik ten Hag’s team get the job done at St Mary’s thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant volley.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:20 , Michael Jones
90+4 mins: Off the line! The cross comes in from the left side and gets headed down to Sekou Mara who meets it with an overhead kick but sees his effort cleared off the line by Diogo Dalot!
Ralph Hasenhuttl has his head in his hands. Southampton are so close to an equaliser.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:18 , Michael Jones
90+3 mins: Christian Eriksen is taken off by Erik ten Hag with Fred coming on to replace him for the Red Devils. Three minutes left to play at St Mary’s.
Ward-Prowse sends a long free kick into the box that De Gea comes out to punch away. He needs the help of Fred though to complete the clearance.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:16 , Michael Jones
90 mins: McTominay is back on for the visitors and jogs his way into the middle of the pitch. There’s going to be six minutes of added time to play!
That’s plenty of time for an equaliser or a winning goal if you’re a Man Utd fan.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:14 , Michael Jones
88 mins: Ouch! Scott McTominay jars his left leg in a challenge with Romeo Lavia and after United clear the danger around the edge of their own box the medical team come on to take a look at him.
It looked like shocking pain for McTominay that is hopefully not too bad.
Lyanco and Romain Perraud are brought on by Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:11 , Michael Jones
85 mins: Scott McTominay collects a yellow card for sprawling all over Joe Aribo in the middle of the pitch. It’s McTominay’s third yellow of the season and he’s only made four appearances.
David De Gea waves Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez up the pitch, he’s taking no chances of playing out from the back with just five minutes to play as he takes a goal kick.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:06 , Michael Jones
82 mins: Casemiro makes his Manchester United debut and comes on to replace Anthony Elanga. The £60m man will be tasked with seeing this game out for the visitors.
After United’s shaky start to the year this will be a big win if they can pull it off. They haven’t been at their best today but have squeezed themselves in front.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:05 , Michael Jones
79 mins: Ronaldo and Armstrong are both fine although the Man Utd forward is hobbling around a bit.
David De Gea belts the ball long from a goal kick and almost picks out Ronaldo only for Lavia to beat him in the air. Casemiro is getting ready on the sidelines for United now too.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
14:03 , Michael Jones
77 mins: Ronaldo is down with a prodblem despite just coming on. So to is Stuart Armstrong for the Saints with both men receiving medical treatment.
Adam Armstrong is subbed off during this break in play with Sekou Mara taking his place for Southampton.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:59 , Michael Jones
74 mins: Djenepo gives the ball to Lavia on the inside left channel and the midfielder twists towards goal, rolls the ball onto his right foot then hoofs his effort well wide of the far post.
Man Utd need to get hold of the ball and keep possession. Southampton are bossing possession at the minute, working it well in the middle of the pitch.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:56 , Michael Jones
71 mins: Such is the state of the early part of the season that Manchester United have moved from bottom of the table to sixth in two games – as things stand.
Of course there’s just under 20 minutes to play here before the rest of the Premier League fixtures over the next two days. Still it’s a good recovery from Erik ten Hag’s men.
Can they see out this game and notch up another win?
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:54 , Michael Jones
69 mins: Here comes Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s on in place of Jadon Sancho for Manchester United.
The visitors will want another goal to feel comfortable in this match. Southampton are looking dangerous.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:53 , Michael Jones
66 mins: Save! Adam Armstrong weaves and shimmies his way to the byline down the left wing before flicking a cross into the middle and finding Joe Aribo.
Aribo whips a header at goal but David De Gea reacts sharply and palms it over to Kyle Walker-Peters to keep it out. Walker-Peters responds with a headed effort of his own and fires his effort over the bar.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:49 , Michael Jones
63 mins: Another corner for the Saints is curled in by James Ward-Prowse who picks out Armel Bella-Kotchap but the defender heads his effort over the crossbar.
Stuart Armstrong is on now for the Saints. Mohamed Elyounoussi is the man replaced.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:48 , Michael Jones
60 mins: It’s ball all Southampton since the goal. Che Adams is incensed after the ball seemingly hits Scott McTominay on the arm in the box but the VAR sees no reason to award a penalty.
The Saints continue to push towards the box but there’s no way through for the home side.
Just looking at the replays of the penalty shout, it seems as though McTominay may have got away with one thanks to the looser rules this season. A couple of seasons ago that would probably have been given.
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
13:44 , Michael Jones
58 mins: Southampton came from behind against Leeds and Leicester to secure some points and they’ll have to do so again here. They win a corner that is whipped over everyone’s heads.
James Ward-Prowse recycles the ball and finds Che Adams in the box but he can’t control his effort and shins it over the goal.
GOAL! Southampton 0-1 Man Utd (55’, Fernandes)⚽️
13:40 , Michael Jones
55 mins: What a finish! This is a great move from Manchester United and brilliantly finished off by Bruno Fernandes.
Anthony Elanga receives the ball on the right wing and darts inside before playing the ball to Jadon Sancho on the front edge of the box.
Sancho flicks it round the corner for Diogo Dalot on the overlap and he fizzes a first time cross over to Fernandes who meets it on the volley and smokes it into the near bottom corner!
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:38 , Michael Jones
54 mins: Fantastic defending! Eriksen slides the ball into the box for Elanga who takes a couple of touches and weaves through the back line.
Bella-Kotchap lunges at the ball and wins possession just as Elanga is lining up at shot and the attack breaks down for Man Utd.
Bella-Kotchap is suffering after that tackle though, he needs a breather and it’ll be a huge loss if Southampton lose him.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:36 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Moussa Djenepo dinks the ball past Diogo Dalot and looks to drive around the right-back who body checks him and picks up the first yellow card of the game.
James Ward-Prowse swings the resultant free kick into the box and Armel Bella-Kotchap’s flick on comes straight through to David De Gea.
Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:35 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Jadon Sancho flicks the ball onto Bruno Fernandes who wants to pick out Rashford in the middle of the box but Romeo Lavia scuttles across and nicks the ball off him.
United come again with Scott McTominay darting into the box. He receives the ball and blasts at effort at goal that Gavin Bazunu palms behind for a goal kick.
Second half: Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:31 , Michael Jones
No changes for either team at half-time. On BT Sport Paul Scholes is calling for Cristiano Ronaldo to come on and be a focal point for United’s attack.
The visitors get the match back underway.
HT Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:30 , Michael Jones
What’s in store for the next 45 minutes? A Man Utd win away from home? Southampton’s second victory in a row? A goalless draw?
We’ll find out soon…
HT Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:23 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag will be telling his players to step it up in the second half. They’ve been okay and have shown more discipline than against Brighton and Brentford but Southampton have created a lot of chances.
There’s firepower on the bench though and Cristiano Ronaldo will be itching to get on the pitch.
HT Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:19 , Michael Jones
Nothing to separate the teams after a close contest in the first half at St Mary’s.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Half-time: Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
13:15 , Michael Jones
45 mins: Aribo brings down McTominay just outside his own box and Man Utd have a great chance to open the scoring just before half-time.
Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford stand over the dead ball before Rashford drifts away. Fernandes takes it and shoots but the Southampton wall is a big one and they keep it out.
There’s no added time and the teams head into the break all square.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website