Three points to Arsenal on their opening game of the season thanks to a goal from Lacazette in the first half, one from Gabriel and a trade-mark Aubameyang goal in the second half.
Arsenal continued to press until the final few minutes- demonstrating the change in attitude that Arteta has brought to this side. After a limited pre-season for both sides, it was hardly a surprise that the opening 45 minutes was played at a leisurely pace. The Gunners, playing in the new blue third strip, even looked a little nervy.
A mix-up between Leno and Gabriel, who decided to leave a dribbling Maitland-Niles back pass when he probably should have tidied it up, allowed Fulham’s Kamara to pounce in the box. Our keeper had to get down low to clear the danger. An exchange of words was had, although in what language is anybody’s guess.
The Brazilian went on to concede a cheap free-kick charging into the back of another Fulham player but he soon settled down and actually had a very solid half. Elneny lofted a ball over the defence to Aubameyang who teed up Xhaka to shoot. The Swiss’ bouncing effort was blocked into the path of Willian, his follow-up was saved and Lacazette pounced at the back pos. (1-0)
At the second half, the Gunners were quick out of the traps, Holding showing some remarkable skill to keepy-uppy his way through three Fulham defenders on the edge of their box. A lovely little pass freed Lacazette who subsequently won a corner that Willian took. New boy Gabriel found enough space in a crowded box to shoulder in from six-ards out. He was mobbed by his teammates. (2-0)Kamara flashed a shot wide in a reminder not to led out guard down, before we produced a stunning goal working the ball from back to front. The final stages saw Willian ping a superb cross field pass to Aubameyang, a replica of the Saka assist in the Community Shield and the captain did the rest. He took one, two, three touches and then curled into the top corner. (3-0)
See tweet below:
Well, that was fun.
⚪️ 0-3 ???? (FT)#FULARS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 12, 2020