Arne Slot, Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice (Photo by Dan Istitene, Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Arsenal had a late goal disallowed by VAR as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Fulham in what should be a very positive weekend for Liverpool.
As well as dropping points to the Gunners at Craven Cottage, Manchester City also failed to win again as they drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace, while Liverpool’s arch-rivals Manchester United suffered a humiliating defeat 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Liverpool didn’t even play as their Merseyside Derby against Everton had to be postponed due to dangerous thunderstorms affecting parts of the country.
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Liverpool had been nine points ahead of Arsenal before the midweek results he saw the lead shrink to sevenbut they can now move back to nine points clear if they win their game in hand.
It won’t be easy for Arsenal to catch Liverpool back as games like today are really what they need to keep winning if they are to close the gap.
Once again, though, there were too many individual performers who didn’t do enough for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal drop points at Fulham: Media reaction
See below for some of the media reactions journalists posted on X afterward Arsenal draw at Fulhamwith Gabriel Jesús singled out for criticism…
F/T: 1-1
Great opportunity missed by Arsenal. A bad first half really cost them. Frustrated by Fulham once again. An excellent weekend for Liverpool, who didn’t even play.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) December 8, 2024
I hate to single people out, but what happened to Gabriel Jesus? Doesn’t look like he can score in Ligue 2 right now.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) December 8, 2024
Arsenal have taken two points from the last nine available against Fulham. Be the questions #AFC try putting, Marco Silva seems to have the answers. Antonee Robinson was excellent against Bukayo Saka and Sander Berge was tireless in midfield #FFC
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) December 8, 2024
Bukayo Saka not being himself is also a concern for Arsenal as he has often been the only player to get them out of trouble in close games like this one.
There is surely a concern, however, that AFC are relying too much on Saka and have no real alternative or Plan B in attack.
Having someone like Jesus on the bench should, in theory, give Arteta a boost, but the Brazil international, who cost £45m (according to BBC SportsThe report from when he joined) has been very disappointing and now brings very little when he steps onto the pitch.
