Arsenal stumble at Fulham as late VAR call denies victory

Arsenal missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, drawing 1-1 against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Bukayo Saka’s late header was ruled out by VAR for offside, ending the Gunners’ four-game winning streak.

Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Kenny Tete. The Mexican striker burst forward and unleashed a precise shot past David Raya into the far corner. Arsenal, still without key defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori, struggled to contain Fulham’s early energy but gradually grew into the game.

William Saliba equalized for the visitors before halftime, stabbing home Kai Havertz’s flick-on from a Declan Rice corner—Arsenal’s 23rd goal from a corner since last season. The Gunners dominated possession and created further opportunities, with Thomas Partey missing a golden chance to head in a winner from another corner.

Saka appeared to seal all three points in stoppage time with a header at the back post, but VAR confirmed Gabriel Martinelli was offside before providing the cross.

The result moved Arsenal into second place, six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Chelsea, however, can reclaim second if they avoid defeat at Tottenham later on Sunday.

In other matches, Jamie Vardy inspired a late Leicester comeback in a 2-2 draw against Brighton, while Bournemouth stunned Ipswich with two stoppage-time goals in a 2-1 win.

(Source: AFP)