Arsenal’s historical dominance over Fulham sets stage for final game of 2023
As Arsenal gears up for a final day of the year clash against Fulham, historical statistics favor the Gunners, who have lost only thrice vs the Cottagers.
Notably, all three of Fulham’s victories occurred at Craven Cottage in November 2006, August 2008, and January 2012 with Arsenal emerging victors on twenty-seven occasions with three meetings drawn.
Arsenal enters the match with a strong record in final league games over the years, winning the last fixture in 12 of the last 16 calendar years.
This marks the first time the team plays on December 31 in consecutive years.
Fulham, on the other hand, faces a challenging record at home against London opposition, having lost five of their last seven Premier League encounters without scoring in any of those defeats.
Meanwhile, Arsenal boasts an impressive unbeaten streak in their last nine London derbies played away from home in the Premier League.
Recent form suggests a contrasting narrative, with Fulham losing their last three Premier League games by a combined score of 0-8 after enjoying back-to-back 5-0 victories earlier in the month.
The Cottagers aim to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat without scoring, a feat not witnessed since September 1971.
Individual player statistics add intriguing subplots to the match, with Gabriel finding the net in three of his four Premier League appearances against Fulham. Willian, on the other hand, has been a key figure at Craven Cottage, contributing to 10 Premier League goals since the start of last season.
Martin Odegaard, who has been prolific away from home, leads Arsenal in both goals (11) and direct involvements (17, including six assists) in the Premier League since the beginning of last season.
Manager Mikel Arteta, undefeated against Fulham in the Premier League, will look to maintain his positive record with three wins and two draws in five meetings with the Cottagers.
As the teams face off in the final fixture of the year, fans anticipate an exciting match with the backdrop of historical trends and individual performances shaping the narrative.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
Mikel Arteta of Arsenal: “Winning [against Fulham], we can be first so we have to do what we can control. There’s no time to look at other teams. You see how difficult it is for other teams and it’s going to continue to be like that because the level of the league is incredible.
“Without a spark, you don’t generate what the team generates [against West Ham], it’s impossible. But it’s the final thing, the final touch, the final action that puts the ball in the net or not, and that’s what we need.”
Marco Silva of Fulham FC: “Before the West Ham result it was just us and Tottenham to take points from Arsenal at home, which shows that we know how to match them and play against them and we know what to do.
“For sure we have to play at our best level because we can then compete with Arsenal.”
