Fulham vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Fulham FC 2 - 1 Arsenal FC
Fulham vs Arsenal
16:07
Rewarded for resilience and making the most of their chances, Fulham end their losing streak and return to winning ways in their final fixture of 2023; meanwhile, back-to-back defeats leave Arsenal sitting fourth in the Premier League table, when victory at Craven Cottage would have put them top at the turn of the year. The Gunners scored early on through Saka and had most of the ball, but their hosts proved more potent in the final third - Jimenez levelled before the break and De Cordova-Reid netted the winner - and are merited 2-1 winners. While the Cottagers can enjoy the rest of New Year's Eve, Arteta's men must ponder what has gone wrong in a dismal December. Arsenal lose a top-flight match after opening the scoring for a first time since January 2022, and after 48 games without defeat that run has now ended. They will host Liverpool in the FA Cup third round next week, while Fulham tackle Championship strugglers Rotherham. That's all from today's live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:59
FULL-TIME: FULHAM 2-1 ARSENAL
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:57
Yellow Card Bernd Leno
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:57
Saka sends over a corner from the right, then is presented with a second chance after Fulham head it away. However, Arsenal's attack is ended when Odegaard balloons the ball over the crossbar with a cross towards the back post - that sums it all up for the Gunners.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:54
Five minutes of stoppage time have been indicated by the officials, as Fulham sit back and attempt to preserve maximum points. Saka curls a timid effort straight at Leno from the right - it's certainly not been his day so far.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:54
Substitution Thomas Cairney Harrison James Reed
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:53
Yellow Card Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:52
OFF THE BAR! Fulham rattle the woodwork! Andreas Pereira takes a short run-up to a 20-yard free-kick, then curls his attempt against the crossbar, with Raya well beaten! That was a real beauty, but Arsenal escape! It stays 2-1 at Craven Cottage!
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:48
Jimenez picks up a loose ball on the left byline, then his low shot is blocked behind by Gabriel. Fulham can't make anything of the corner-kick, though.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:47
Yellow Card William Alain André Gabriel Saliba
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:47
After Joao Palhinha makes a superb tackle to deny Saka at one end, Fulham win a free-kick midway through their visitors' half - and they're understandably in no hurry to take it. The clock ticks down towards the final whistle.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:45
CLOSE! Trossard fires over a threatening cross from the left, but Gabriel can't quite make contact at the back post! That would've been the Brazilian's fourth goal in five games against Fulham - but not quite!
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:42
Deep inside his own box, Castagne has to head the ball away from danger after Rice hangs up a dangerous cross from the right. That'll be Arsenal's first corner of the whole game.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:40
Substitution Willian Borges da Silva Issa Laye Lucas Jean Diop
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:40
Substitution Bobby Armani De Cordova-Reid Harry Wilson
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:39
The Gunners' frustration grows, as the rain begins to lash down heavily in London. They simply cannot break down their hosts' stubborn resistance, looking short of ideas in the final third.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:38
Arsenal haven't lost a Premier League game in which they scored during the first five minutes since December 2016, versus Man City. They are now just minutes away from suffering such a fate today.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:38
Yellow Card Calvin Chinedu Bassey
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:38
Substitution Kai Lukas Havertz Reiss Luke Nelson
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:36
SPECTACULAR STOP! Keeping his team in it, Raya flings himself up to the left, tipping away a fierce strike from Cairney! The ball broke to Fulham's captain after Jimenez attempted an ambitious rabona, and it was quite some hit! Great stuff all round!
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:34
Tosin does well to cut out some danger just by the right side of Fulham's area, opting to send the ball straight into touch rather than take any risks. The hosts have something to hold onto, with just over 20 minutes of the 90 remaining.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:32
Substitution Alexander Chuka Iwobi Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:31
From less than 10 yards outside the box, Odegaard steps up to a good set-piece opportunity but sends his free-kick well over the crossbar - that was not his best effort.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:29
Having created a half-chance for himself, Saka shoots over with a rather wild attempt from the right side of the area. Still, there's plenty of time for Arsenal to grab an equaliser.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:28
Substitution Benjamin William White Gabriel Fernando de Jesus
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:28
Substitution Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva Leandro Trossard
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:27
De Cordova-Reid's fourth Premier League goal of the season equals his tally for all of last term - and what an important one it could prove to be! Can ailing Arsenal work their way back into this one? If they want to finish 2023 top of the pile, they must.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:26
Yellow Card Thomas Cairney
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:21
Cairney releases Willian on the right, but the latter's mishit cross is headed behind for another Fulham corner by Tomiyasu. The home side have had all three corner-kicks taken so far today.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:20
Assist João Maria Lobo Alves Palhares Costa Palhinha Gonçalves
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:19
After De Cordova-Reid sends a raking ball from the right towards Jimenez in the centre, with Arsenal looking very exposed at the back, Saliba steps in with a crucial intervention and snaffles possession away from Fulham's opening goalscorer.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:16
Arsenal enjoy a spell of bossing the ball in midfield, as Fulham retreat a little. However, the Gunners can't make much progress, as their well-drilled hosts stand firm.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:13
Fulham have won their final league game in five of the last eight calendar years, with their only defeat coming against Sheffield United in the Championship two years ago. They beat Southampton 2-1 on New Year’s Eve last season, and there's every chance they can continue that trend today.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:11
Willian sends over an outswinging corner-kick from the right, but Tomiyasu heads it clear and sets Arsenal up for a quick counter-attack. Back inside his own box, Castagne has to sprint across to slide in and make an important covering tackle.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:10
Iwobi has a shot charged down from the edge of Arsenal's area, as Fulham push on in search of a second goal. Their confidence has apparently been restored by a good first-half performance, and they look a little more like the side that twice won 5-0 earlier this month.
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:06
Fulham kick off, and we are back under way in London!
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:06
Substitution Jakub Piotr Kiwior Takehiro Tomiyasu
Fulham vs Arsenal
15:04
Arsenal may have had 68 per cent possession over the final 15 minutes of the first half, when they started to threaten Fulham a little more often, but their response to conceding has not been totally convincing. Will Arteta act decisively, making some personnel changes? Meanwhile, Marco Silva will surely ask for more of the same from his team, who have improved significantly from their dismal showing at Bournemouth.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:56
A relatively even first half ends level at Craven Cottage, where Fulham fought back from conceding an early goal to draw level at 1-1 just before the half-hour mark. Arsenal's early momentum was not maintained, and the visitors found it tough to carve out clear chances following Saka's fifth-minute strike from close range. Their hosts, meanwhile, can be content with showing real spirit, having just lost three straight games without scoring, and Jimenez coolly converted Cairney's cross to deservedly restore parity. There's all to play for after the break, when a win for Arsenal would put them top of the Premier League table.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:52
HALF-TIME: FULHAM 1-1 ARSENAL
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:51
Sensing time is running out before the referee's whistle, Rice thumps a 25-yard effort well over the crossbar, drawing delighted cheers from the Fulham fans. It'll be all-square at the break.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:50
A rare chance for Nketiah in a promising position ends with the Arsenal striker lashing a low shot wide of the near post from the right-hand side of Fulham's area. Leno had it covered in any case.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:48
In the first of at least four minutes added on for stoppages, Arsenal try to impose some more pressure on their hosts, but to no avail. If anything, Fulham seem to be more potent on the counter.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:47
Defining 'ambition', Tosin steps on to a loose ball almost 30 yards out from goal and tries his luck. Perhaps predictably, it trickles weakly wide of the left-hand post by some distance - that was a waste.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:46
CLOSE! Martinelli just misses out on putting Arsenal back in front! Rice and Odegaard combine on the right side of the box, before the Brazilian winger guides a first-time finish just inches wide of the left-hand post! It was a fine move by the Gunners, but they'll get no reward!
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:44
So far, Nketiah's selection has not paid off for Arteta, who took the decision to rest first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus. The former has had very little of the ball to feed on during this first half.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:43
Martinelli strikes a half-volley from 20 yards towards the target, but De Cordova-Reid blocks it out; then, Jimenez shepherds the ball out for a goal-kick under the close attention of Saka.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:41
Out on the right flank, Saka teases Robinson and then beats his marker with a quick turn. However, his delivery into the box leaves a lot to be desired, and Fulham comfortably clear the ball away from the left side of their area.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:38
It's fascinatingly poised now, as Arsenal are struggling to find any rhythm and their hosts have grown in confidence throughout this first half. Fulham are stroking the ball around in midfield.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:36
After Saka nods back a hanging Martinelli cross deep inside the area, Odegaard can't get a clean shot away, then Nketiah is crowded out by Bassey on the brink of Fulham's six-yard box.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:34
It had been coming: Fulham have attempted the last six shots in this game, as Arsenal's last attempt was taken by Saka in the fifth minute. The Gunners must rouse themselves now, as the tide has totally turned.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:30
Assist Thomas Cairney
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:30
It's all Fulham at the moment, albeit mostly in midfield. From the touchline, Arteta urges his men to push forward a few yards - they're becoming a little too passive for his liking.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:29
Goal Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:28
Fulham have failed to win any of their last 23 Premier League matches after conceding first, losing no less than 20 - including all of the last six. That's quite some streak to end today, but they've started to show signs that they can come back into it before the break.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:26
It seems that Raya required help to replace a contact lens, so he's fine to continue in goal; Ramsdale's warm-up is called off. The game gets back under way with a drop-ball.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:25
Play is brought to a halt inside Fulham's half, as Raya sits down on the turf and indicates he needs some medical attention. Both coaches use the chance to pass on some instructions, while the players take on drinks.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:24
On the edge of Arsenal's area, Willian and then Iwobi have powerful shots charged down, and the latter ultimately bounces wide for a corner-kick to the Cottagers. The home side are showing some fight now - can they pull themselves level, though?
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:22
JUST WIDE! Fulham are working their way back into this! Two ex-Arsenal players combine, as Iwobi's cross from the right somehow evades several bodies in the box before landing at the feet of Willian. The winger then curls a shot from the left side of the box only a foot or two wide of the right-hand upright!
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:19
Castagne reaches the right byline, but his stood-up cross is too high for Willian in the centre, and Arsenal's towering back four comfortably manage to get the ball away from any danger.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:18
SAVE! A first-time finish from Jimenez sends Raya scrambling across to make a sharp save, after Robinson delivers a low cross from the left flank towards his team-mate. That's Fulham's first real chance, but they still trail 1-0.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:16
Fulham have actually had marginally more of the ball than their visitors so far, but they've yet to create any openings in Arsenal's rearguard, which has proven less resilient this season.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:15
Fulham are looking for their first league win over Arsenal for nearly 12 years, having been outscored 29-10 during their winless streak. Today's encounter appears to be going the same way - but there's plenty of time remaining to salvage something from this game.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:13
A typically tigerish tackle by yellow-card magnet Joao Palhinha sees Havertz upended in midfield, but the referee does not merit it worthy of any further attention. Arsenal are trying to retain possession now, keeping Fulham subdued.
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:10
That's nine goals Fulham have conceded since last scoring themselves, and Arsenal have been quick to punish them today. The Gunners have a record of 11 wins and two draws when scoring first in the Premier League so far this season - can the Cottagers come back into this one, though?
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:05
CLOSE! The Gunners almost strike first! After shaking off the attention of Robinson on the right side of Fulham's area, Arsenal skipper Odegaard opens up space to shoot from inside the box. However, his effort is lashed just wide of the left-hand post!
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:05
Goal Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka
Fulham vs Arsenal
14:02
Arsenal kick off, and we are under way at Craven Cottage!
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:57
The players are all out on the pitch, and kick-off in this New Year's Eve contest is now just moments away!
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:53
Arsenal also opt for a trio of changes: most notably, Gabriel Jesus drops to the bench and Nketiah starts up front. Havertz is recalled after serving a ban, replacing Trossard in midfield. Oleksandr Zinchenko sustained a calf injury against West Ham, so Kiwior fills in at left back. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber are all unavailable.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:53
Marco Silva makes three changes to the Fulham XI that started last week's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth: Raul Jimenez returns following suspension, ex-Arsenal winger Willian is back after a hamstring problem, while Tete makes way for Castagne at right-back. Adama Traore and Tim Ream remain sidelined by injury.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:49
SUBS: Aaron Ramsdale, Cedric Soares, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard, Mohamed Elneny, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:45
ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz; Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:41
SUBS: Marek Rodak, Kenny Tete, Sasa Lukic, Issa Diop, Fode Ballo-Toure, Rodrigo Muniz, Harrison Reed, Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:41
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Tosin Adarabioyo, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Joao Palhinha, Tom Cairney; Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Alex Iwobi, Willian; Raul Jimenez.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:37
Losing 2-0 at home to West Ham last week ended Arsenal's 10-game unbeaten home run and leaves them fourth, two points behind both leaders Liverpool and second-placed Aston Villa; level with reigning champions Manchester City. At the halfway point of their league campaign, Mikel Arteta's men have accrued 10 fewer points than at this stage of last season. The Gunners have, though, won each of their last five Premier League away games against today's hosts, scoring at least three goals in each of the last four.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:37
Back-to-back 5-0 wins earlier this month took Fulham up the table in some style; however, Marco Silva's side have now lost their last three top-flight matches without scoring, conceding eight goals in the process. As a result, they occupy 14th place on 21 points. Ahead of today's game, the Cottagers have been beaten five times in their last seven Premier League home fixtures against fellow London opposition, failing to score across all five defeats. Following a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in August, they are also still seeking their first league win over the Gunners since January 2012.
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:33
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage!
Fulham vs Arsenal
13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
