Arteta’s Arsenal appear to be peaking at right time in title race

And January signing Leandro Trossard spearheaded the Arsenal charge, registering three first-half assists during a dazzling display.

The Belgian, who started through the middle as the central striker, tormented the Fulham defence in the opening 45 minutes, constantly swapping roles with Gabriel Martinelli, creating all three goals from the left wing. 

RECAP: https://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/sport/23380765.arsenal-boss-arteta-praises-trossards-football-intelligence/

The positional changes throughout Arsenal’s attacks, often seen through the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Granit Xhaka during build-up, repeatedly caused problems for the Fulham defence, opening up the game for Arsenal’s forwards to take full advantage.

Gabriel opened the scoring with a header from a Trossard corner, adding to an excellent defensive performance on the day, and the game showcased his development since the reverse fixture against Fulham in August where his mistake gifted the Cottagers a goal at the Emirates. 

In the first half of the season, Gabriel was prone to several costly errors, but since his omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad, the defender has been a rock at the back, leading the defence as a steady force.

Sunday’s match was also a great day for his Brazilian counterpart, Gabriel Jesus, who returned from injury for the first time since the World Cup, featuring in a short cameo at the end. 

Jesus’ return is a huge boost for Arsenal for the remaining 11 league games, plus Europa League campaign, adding much needed depth and quality to the side. His energy and close control was immediately visible and his return will help Mikel Arteta to rotate his frontline to reduce the burden on Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners – who also saw Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard find the net at Fulham – have now won five league games in a row since the defeat to title rivals Manchester City last month, hitting their stride at the perfect time as their number nine comes back. 

Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates in their Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday, with the tie finely poised at 2-2, before a visit from Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace on Sunday (2pm) ahead of the international break.