Erratic and with less intensity than their rival, Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat against Fulham on Sunday, closing 2023 with another setback. This marks the fourth loss in their last five Premier League matches, distancing them from the leadership that will remain in the hands of Liverpool after the conclusion of the twentieth round of the English league.

Just three days after a defeat against West Ham (0-2), Arsenal found themselves back in the fray. The relentless Premier League schedule, physically and mentally exhausting for players, offers little respite with one match after another. While enjoyable for the fans during the festive season, it proves challenging for all teams, some coping better than others.

Arsenal could have benefited from a Christmas break. They already showed signs of weakness before the holidays, having lost 1-0 to Aston Villa. They recovered with a victory over Brighton (2-0) but stumbled again, drawing against Liverpool (1-1). In total, just one win in their last four matches before facing Fulham.

Hence, the stakes were high. Mikel Arteta's men needed a win to take the top spot in the Premier League, one point above Liverpool, who will play their match on Monday. Another setback could cause concern among the 'gunner' faithful, given the recent turbulence. Arsenal, at the start, did not disappoint with an explosive beginning where Saka opened the scoring early after capitalizing on Leno's clearance from Martinelli's shot.

The two most electric players for Arsenal managed to breach Fulham's defense. However, with Bassey taking charge, Fulham would not offer many more opportunities. Even Bassey, thirty minutes in, stole the ball near his area, crucial for Raúl Jiménez to score the equalizer. Fulham's center-back initiated the play, passing through Cairney, who delivered a precise cross from the left for the Mexican striker to score 1-1 comfortably.

It was a deserved reward for Fulham, much more intense than Arsenal and also better in the second half. Arteta substituted Kiwior for Tomiyasu to close the gap that had developed on the left side of the 'gunner' lineup. However, it didn't work. Fulham consistently outpaced all Arsenal players, taking the lead with a goal from Decordova-Reid after a corner kick.

Arsenal responded with a chance for Saka, who sent a shot into the Thames River while being alone under Leno's goal. It was practically the last opportunity for Arsenal, which, during the last half-hour, hardly troubled Fulham. They even escaped a certain defeat thanks to the crossbar (Pereira's shot) and Raya, who made a spectacular save, preventing a superb goal from Cairney from outside the box.

In the end, a downpour arrived at Craven Cottage, and Arsenal drowned their sorrows in the rain. Fulham delivered a lesson to Arteta's team, unable to match the intensity of a side that played an outstanding match, confirming Arsenal's collapse in a forgettable festive season. With one more match played, Arsenal is now fourth, two points behind Liverpool.