EDDIE NKETIAH’S last-gasp equaliser looks set to consign Fulham to relegation after they were on verge of massive win.
A Josh Maja penalty has given the Cottagers a shock lead at the Emirates after Dani Ceballos had a goal ruled out by VAR.
Then in the final seconds Nketiah turned in Alphonse Areola’s spilled save to give the relieved Gunners a point.
Get all the reaction from the Emirates in our live blog…
GOODBYE
That’s all from the Emirates where Fulham’s feint survival hopes have been left in tatters by Eddie Nketiah’s equaliser deep into stoppage time.
The result has left Scott Parker’s team with a mountain to climb if they are to now pull off the greatest of escapes, and that’s before you consider the impact of the damaging psychological blows they’ve recently been receiving.
Nevertheless, they’ll have one eye on events at Old Trafford, and you can do the same by following our live blog of Manchester United against Burnley.
Thanks for reading.
IN THE NKET OF TIME
Eddie Nketiah’s last-gasp equaliser (96:09) was Arsenal’s latest Premier League goal since Alexis Sanchez netted in the 98th minute against Burnley four years ago (97:14).
The 21-year-old certainly made an impression off the bench, and it now means that five of his 13 Arsenal goals have come as a substitute.
With Alexandre Lacazette injured this afternoon, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still suffering with malaria, will the youngster get a run as a starter for the Gunners?
THE DROPZONE
This afternoon’s draw has left Fulham six points from Burnley and Brighton above them with their two nearest rivals both holding two games in hand.
The first of those games in hand for the Clarets is just about to kick-off at Old Trafford.
The game looks up for Fulham, but on the plus side for their supporters, they will finally get the chance to travel to Peterborough and Coventry next season.
UNLUCKY FOR FULHAM
Fulham have now dropped 13 points from winning positions away from home this season.
What a difference those could have made to their season.
FULL TIME STATS
Fulham thought they had the game won with their only shot on target, but Eddie Nketiah’s late equaliser came after goalkeeper Mat Ryan recorded one of Arsenal’s 35 touches in the opposition box.
FT: ARSENAL 1-1 FULHAM
An equaliser seven minutes into stoppage time from Eddie Nketiah has surely condemned Fulham to an immediate return to the Championship. The substitute pounced late to level the scores after Josh Maja had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot earlier in the half.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!ARSENAL 1-1 FULHAM
90+7. At the death, Eddie Nketiah equalises!
Up from the back, Arsenal goalkeeper Mat Ryan gets his head on the corner, flicking it towards Dani Ceballos at the far post.
The midfielder controls and then aims a low strike back across goal which is well saved by Areola, but following it up with a poacher’s instinct is Nketiah to score.
There’s momentary hope for the visitors as VAR check on an offside call against Rob Holding, who may have been blocking the Fulham keeper’s eyeline, but it doesn’t last long and eventually the goal is given.
It’s more late heartbreak for Fulham!
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!!
EDDIE NKETIAH EQUALISES!!
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
90+6. Another two Arsenal corners in quick succession, and Mat Ryan is up.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
90+5. Arsenal are getting closer!
Xhaka’s through ball is kept under control brilliantly by Saka, who then picks out Nketiah at the near post.
The striker hits it first time, and it’s blocked superbly by Harrison Reed.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
90+3. A brilliant defensive header again, this time by Aina – but it’s another Arsenal corner.
Ceballos whips it in and Areola claims!
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
90+2. Tosin heads away from Smith Rowe in the six-yard box after patient build-up play involving Pepe and Martinelli.
Can Fulham survive?
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
90. Martinelli! Beats one! Beats two! Shoots! Saved by Areola!
The Fulham goalkeeper comes to the rescue with a stop at the near post after the Brazilian had burst past Aina and De Cordova-Reid.
There will be SEVEN minutes of stoppage time to be played.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
89. Saka! So close!
The Arsenal youngster nearly produces something out of nothing with a wonderful curler with his left foot from 25 yards, but it floats just wide of the top corner.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
88. Loftus-Cheek has found himself in a couple of good attacking positions in recent minutes but has been hampered in his progress by a lack of options available.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
86. Into the final five minutes of normal time, and Bryan concedes a free-kick 40 yards from the Fulham goal.
Ceballos floats it in, Aina’s up to win the header and Anguissa thumps clear.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
84. Arsenal have made all three changes, and now Fulham make their final substitution.
Joe Bryan, their play-off hero from August, is on in place of Ivan Cavaleiro.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
82. The corner is punched clear by Areola but, in doing so, the Fulham goalkeeper has taken a whack for his troubles.
Treatment for the Frenchman means a stoppage in play that allows Scott Parker time to rally his troop for the final minutes.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
81. And that is Andersen at his best!
The Fulham captain stoops in to cut out a cross from Saka on the right that had Martinelli ready to pounce.
It’s a corner to Arsenal.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
79. Andersen requires some treatment after seeing a flicked effort from Nketiah bounce out of play.
The on-loan centre-back will need to be back and at his best to help Fulham see this fragile lead out to full time.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
77. Fulham’s penalty hero Josh Maja departs for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
“I’m not sure how Loftus-Cheek doesn’t get to start in this Fulham team,” ponders Alan Smith on co-commentary.
Too many sub-par performances, Smudger.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
76. A rare Fulham foray forward with Maja and Cavaleiro edging their way along the left wing.
It’s a bit early to be heading for the corner flag, lads.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
74. It’s attack against defence now with Fulham bodies sat deep.
This will be a long 16 minutes and more for Fulham fans.
ARSENAL 0-1 FULHAM
71. Fulham survive! Somehow!
In skipping around Areola, Martinelli looks to have taken the ball too wide but keeps play alive with a lovely dink towards Pepe at the far post.
The substitute meets the cross with a header, and looks certain to score until Areola blocks brilliantly before Tosin hooks clear.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
