Arsenal suffered their second consecutive defeat, falling 2-1 against Fulham on Sunday and missing an opportunity to finish the year as Premier League leaders.
Bukayo Saka initially put Arsenal ahead within five minutes, but thereafter, the visitors lacked bite. Raul Jimenez equalised in the first half, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid secured the winner in the 59th minute.
Although Arsenal led the table at Christmas, they began 2024 in fourth place after this defeat, following their first home loss of the season to West Ham on Thursday.
Yet, the Gunners have only secured one win in their last five league games, with this match arguably marking their most lacklustre performance in that stretch..
The opening goal stemmed from Gabriel Martinelli's efforts, dribbling from deep within his own half before cutting into the box and delivering a low shot that Bernd Leno could only divert into Saka's path for an easy tap-in.
However, Fulham responded strongly, missing two decent chances before Jimenez connected with a low cross from Tom Cairney to score in the 29th minute. It marked Jimenez’s fourth goal in his last four league games, matching his tally from the previous 50 matches.
Fulham continued to threaten, and De Cordova-Reid capitalised on Arsenal's failure to clear a corner, slotting home from close range to put the hosts in the lead.
Despite a chance for Saka to level the score in the 63rd minute, volleying high, Arsenal struggled to create opportunities in the second half. Even with Gabriel Jesus partnering Eddie Nketiah upfront after Arteta shifted to a formation with three defenders, Arsenal failed to muster a shot on target until injury time when a scuffed cross from Saka was easily gathered by Leno.
In contrast, Fulham came close to extending their lead, with Raya making a crucial save in the 71st minute and Pereira hitting the crossbar with a free-kick in the 87th.
Premier League standings at the end of 2023
At present, Liverpool remains at the summit of the Premier League table, with Jurgen Klopp’s team appearing well-prepared. Yet, ending the year as league leaders provides little indication of where the team might conclude the season.
Martin Ødegaard's side is now at the fourth spot with 40 points, the same as Manchester City who is at third. Aston Villa is second with 42 points, the same as Liverpool.
Aston Villa responded to their defeat to Manchester United by battling past Burnley 3-2, whose fellow strugglers Luton Town and Everton also conceded three goals in defeats. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest defeated United 2-1 at home to make it back-to-back wins and pile the pressure on Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.
Tottenham Hotspur affirmed their spot at fifth after a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at home.
Here are the standings
Everton deducted 10 points following a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. That decision is currently under appeal.
