Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Fulham dealt another blow to Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title, as Tottenham closed the gap on their north London rivals by defeating Bournemouth 3-1.
Two devastating losses in a span of four days have dashed the Gunners’ ambitions of winning a league title for the first time in twenty years.
After Thursday’s 2-0 home loss to West Ham, Mikel Arteta was hoping for a reaction, and the guests got off to a strong start at Craven Cottage.
After Gabriel Martinelli’s first attempt was parried by Bernd Leno, Bukayo Saka pounced to score his first goal in six games.
However, Fulham rallied to end a three-game Premier League losing streak without even scoring a goal, as Arsenal was unable to capitalize on their early advantage.
After receiving a red card at Newcastle, Raul Jimenez was suspended for three games. The Mexican striker gave Fulham a much-needed boost with his fourth goal in as many games.
Willian, the former winger for Arsenal, released Tom Cairney down the left, and Jimenez stroked in his dangerous low cross at the back post.
Martinelli was inches away from restoring Arsenal’s lead before the break.
However, Fulham was the superior team in the second half, and they were rewarded just before the hour.
When Arsenal was unable to clear a corner, Bobby De Cordova-Reid was left with a perfect opportunity to smash home from close range.
It was only the crossbar from Andreas Pereira’s free-kick and a superb stop from David Raya to deny Cairney that kept Arsenal from taking any more damage in the pouring rain in west London.
However, over the previous week, their hopes of winning the crown might have suffered enough harm.
Despite having played one more game than both of their title rivals, Arsenal is still in fourth place, two points behind leaders Liverpool and tied on 40 points with Manchester City.
Son’s Parting Gift
When Arteta’s team returns to league action in three weeks, they might not even be in the top four, as Tottenham has cut the gap to just one point between them and the Champions League spots.
The team led by Ange Postecoglou overcame a growing injury crisis to cause Bournemouth to lose for the first time in eight games.
After just nine minutes, Pape Sarr opened the score with a perfect finish into the bottom corner.
However, the midfielder from Senegal left the pitch in tears halfway through the first half due to an injury that may prevent him from playing in the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Bournemouth will feel they should have been level before the break as the in-form Dominic Solanke hit the bar amid a flurry of chances.
Instead, the visitors were picked off in the second half.
Son Heung-min is also set to depart for a few weeks to lead South Korea at the Asia Cup.
The Spurs captain signed off in style with a thumping finish from a narrow angle before Richarlison made it 3-0.
Alex Scott pulled a goal back six minutes from time, but it was too little, too late for the Cherries, who remain in 12th.