DAILY EXPRESS
A frustrated Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Fulham in an enthralling London derby on Saturday. The Gunners came from behind to lead 2-1 thanks to goals by Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah – only for Joao Palhinha to bundle home an equaliser late on.
Here are five takeaways as Arteta is forced back to the drawing board after an underwhelming display.
Havertz frustrates
Kai Havertz epitomised Arsenal’s frustration in the opening hour. The German seemed a yard off the pace and a couple of unnecessary offside nullified promising Arsenal attacks.
Havertz had strayed beyond Fulham’s defence before setting up Odegaard for what would have been an equaliser. The summer arrival from Chelsea also missed an excellent chance to score in the first half, sliding in only to divert the ball well wide of goal.
Arteta worked hard to secure Havertz’s signature earlier in the summer. But it seems the 24-year-old will need plenty of time before fans will see the fruits of the transfer. Havertz has endured an underwhelming start to life at the Emirates Stadium and there is plenty of room for improvement.
Arteta picks the wrong team – but subs impress
Eyebrows were raised when Arteta named a team without a recognised striker. Leandro Trossard was selected as an auxiliary No 9, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Trossard lasted only until half-time before being hauled off. Eddie Nketiah – who has played well in Arsenal’s first two Premier League games – was brought on in place of the former Brighton man. He and Fabio Vieira – another substitute – combined to bail out their underperforming team-mates.
Arsenal immediately looked better with a more natural striker on the pitch but still struggled to find the net. That will worry Arteta.
Ramsdale under pressure
Until a few weeks ago, Aaron Ramsdale seemed untouchable as Arsenal’s No 1. But the addition of David Raya has thrown that into doubt.
It was Ramsdale’s bizarre error that handed Fulham the lead inside the opening minute. The England goalkeeper was caught out of position and struggled to adjust his feet as Andreas Pereira took aim from 40 yards. What should have been an easy save for Ramsdale was turned into a mess – giving Arsenal a mountain to climb.
