There have been times this season when Arsenal had clear opportunities and chances to win games, but they ended up failing to do so and it has gone on to affect them largely this season. The Gunners are not where they want to be at the moment in the Premier League table, but they have their inconsistencies to blame for their misfortunes.
Josh Maja opened the scoring after slotting home a well-taken penalty to give the visitors hope of securing a win on enemy grounds, but Eddie Nketiah came up clutch for Arsenal as his goal ensured that the spoils would have to be shared by the two teams. Nketiah’s goal came deep in stoppage time after a couple of wasted chances, further outlining the need for the Gunners to get their job done quicker.
A notable omission from the squad that faced Fulham is number one goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The German shot-stopper was rested for the fixture and was replaced by Mat Ryan, surprisingly. The goalkeeper who is currently at Arsenal after securing a loan move from Aston Villa in the summer was given the nod by Arteta and even though he conceded a goal, he impressed.
After the match, Arteta was asked why Ryan was the starter ahead of Leno, and the manager said that the Aston Villa loanee is a beast and has been deserving of his Premier League start in a long time. Those words could mean that Arsenal may move to secure his services permanently in the summer and provide the needed competition for Leno between the sticks at the club.