Fans have lost it with TWO Arsenal players who played really bad today despite a late draw at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal’s trip to Craven Cottage ended in disappointment as the Gunners managed only a 1-1 draw against Fulham. Despite salvaging a point through William Saliba’s late header, assisted by Kai Havertz, many Arsenal fans were left frustrated by the performances of Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior, who struggled to meet expectations in this tightly contested match.
Saka’s Underwhelming Display
Bukayo Saka, often a consistent performer for Arsenal, had a surprisingly poor game on the right flank. The usually dynamic winger looked off the pace, with his trademark bursts of speed and creativity notably absent. Fulham’s Kenny Tete did an excellent job of keeping Saka quiet, with the England international failing to beat his man or deliver meaningful contributions in the final third.
One moment in the second half encapsulated Saka’s struggles: after receiving the ball in a promising position, he hesitated, allowing Fulham’s defenders to close him down and clear the danger. His lack of sharpness frustrated fans, many of whom questioned whether fatigue or a minor injury might be affecting his form.
Kiwior’s Defensive Blunder
Jakub Kiwior, tasked with holding down the defensive line, had a day to forget. The Polish defender was directly involved in Fulham’s opening goal, scored by Raul Jimenez. Kiwior’s hesitation and poor positioning allowed Jimenez to pounce on a loose ball and drive a powerful shot past Aaron Ramsdale.
Throughout the match, Kiwior struggled with his positioning and composure, leading to several nervy moments for Arsenal at the back. His failure to communicate effectively with Saliba and Gabriel compounded the defensive issues, leaving Arsenal vulnerable to Fulham’s counterattacks.
Saliba and Havertz Shine Amidst Criticism
Despite the disappointment, there were positives for Arsenal fans. William Saliba rose to the occasion late in the game, scoring a towering header from Kai Havertz’s pinpoint cross to level the score. Havertz, whose performances have been under scrutiny since joining Arsenal, showed glimpses of his creative potential with this crucial assist.
Saliba’s commanding presence at the back and Havertz’s improved link-up play provided a silver lining in an otherwise frustrating match.
Fan Reaction
Fans took to social media to vent their frustrations, with many expressing concern about Arsenal’s title credentials if performances like these persist. Saka and Kiwior bore the brunt of the criticism, with calls for better performances in the crucial games ahead.
Manager Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly look to address these issues as Arsenal prepare for their next challenge. With high expectations surrounding the team this season, there’s little room for error if the Gunners hope to keep pace in the Premier League title race.
