League leaders Arsenal cruise to victory over Fulham

The Gunners restore their five-point lead at the top with an emphatic 3-0 win.

LONDON: Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham yesterday and carved out a small slice of top flight history in the process.

Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and captain Martin Odegaard all scored in the first half as the Gunners became the first team to win five consecutive away London derbies without conceding a single goal.

Leandro Trossard provided a trio of assists as Mikel Arteta’s side took advantage of Fulham’s porous defence at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva’s Cottagers, who had lost only once in their previous seven home games in all competitions, are eighth in the league.

Gabriel, who also netted his debut goal against Fulham in 2020, put Arsenal on the scoreboard in the 21st minute with a header from inside a crowded six-yard box off Trossard’s corner kick.

Trossard teed up Martinelli in the 26th minute when his arching cross dropped at the far post for an easy header, the Brazilian’s 12th goal of the season.

Only four Premier League players have scored more.

Seconds before halftime, Odegaard took two touches to control Trossard’s cross before smashing the ball past Fulham – and former Arsenal – keeper Bernd Leno.

The Gunners began the day with second-placed Manchester City hot on their heels after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace today pulled the reigning champs within two points.

Brazilian Gabriel Jesus earned a roar from Gunners fans when he entered the game in the 77th minute, his first action since a knee injury suffered at the World Cup in November.

Jesus nearly scored in the 85th, but his shot from close range went straight to the keeper.