Arsenal’s Manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed deep disappointment and sorrow over the recent setback in the team’s Premier League journey, calling it a “painful and sad” day. Their defeat against Fulham compounded the prior loss to West Ham, sliding them to fourth place in the table.

Despite Bukayo Saka initially putting them in the lead against Fulham, goals from Raul Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid turned the tide against the Gunners. Arsenal’s six-point lead over Manchester City five games ago has now evaporated, leaving them level with the champions.

Arteta lamented the missed opportunity to claim the top spot after showing consistent form earlier. He acknowledged the team’s failure to seize the game and contrasted it with the previous match, stating that their performance against Fulham was even more concerning.

The Spaniard critiqued Arsenal’s lack of effectiveness in possession, conceding too many turnovers and lacking offensive rhythm and threat during the match. Meanwhile, Fulham’s coach, Marco Silva, celebrated a positive end to 2023, delighted with his team’s comeback victory after a three-game losing streak. Silva commended his team’s effort and believed they deserved the win after a determined performance over the full duration of the match.