Fulham (0) 0 v 3 (3) Arsenal
21 Gabriel, assist Trossard
26 Martinelli, assist Trossard
45+2 Odegaard, assist Trossard
Yellows: Nil Odegaard Referee D. Coote
Played Sunday 12 March 2023 at Craven Cottage, attendance 24,426.
Had any player previously made 3 assists before half-time in a Premier League (PL) match for the away team? The answer is no, so Leandro Trossard of Arsenal became the first player in PL history to do so in the Premier London Derbies match at Craven Cottage on 12 March 2023. There were no commentators or pundits to laud him on the silent MOTD2! Fulham were overwhelmed by the attacking aggression, pace and skill of The Gunners and the game was over by half-time. The hosts had 45% possession overall with a better second-half. Arsenal had the added bonus of the return of their third Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, for 13 minutes after 5 months recovering from an injury playing for Brazil in the 2022 World Cup.
Will he play a bigger role in the next PLDs fixture which is Arsenal v Crystal Palace on Sunday 19 March 2023? This fixture has produced a draw in the last 3 seasons proceeded by an away win and 2 home wins. On their present form it will be a surprise if Arsenal do not get 3 more points to add to their 5 points PL lead over Manchester City who are playing their FA Cup Quarter Final tie against runaway EFL Championship leaders Burnley. The Eagles are only 3 points above the drop zone and need the 3 points too!
Arsenal are however out of Europe after losing their penalty shoot-out 5-3 against Sporting on Thursday 16 March 2023. It had been 2-2 in Lisbon and then 1-1 on the night at The Emirates Stadium. Sporting had finished third in the same UEFA Champions League group as PLDs North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but are now in the Quarter Finals of the Europa League. West Ham United are into the Europa Conference League Quarter Finals after a convincing 6-0 aggregate win over AEK Larnaca of Cyprus. They still desperately need PL points but maybe this will help.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.