Arsenal v Fulham: 3 key battles to watch out for

Arsenal are the division’s only side boasting a 100% winning record after the first 3 games, while the visitors have also started the campaign impressively — most notably holding Liverpool to a draw at Craven Cottage on the opening day.

If they are going to get anything away at the Emirates, however, they are going to have to be on top form. Not only have Arsenal never lost at home to Fulham in 30 meetings across all competitions, they are also unbeaten in their last 33 games against newly promoted clubs; a run which stretches all the way back to 2010.

That said, there will be a few key battles in today’s game which could well be instrumental to the result. We take a look at them below.

Aleksandar Mitrovic vs Gabriel Magalhaes

Fulham’s Serbian striker has made an excellent start to the season, so far registering 8 shots on target from 14 attempts and scoring 3 goals. His aggressive style is a nightmare for defenders and his aerial prowess could be a real threat, particularly with Andreas Pereira on set pieces. Gabriel Magalhaes is likely to be the tonic for the home side: an aggressive defender himself, he is not easily beaten in the air — as seen against target man Kieffer Moore at Bournemouth last week — which could prove key if The Gunners are to keep Mitrovic quiet. Regardless, the match-up between these two fiery characters promises to be an entertaining watch.

Gabriel Jesus vs Tosin Adarabioyo

At the other end of the pitch, Arsenal’s on-form centre forward Gabriel Jesus will be looking to exploit Tosin Adarabioyo. Dangerous from just about anywhere, Jesus was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet at the Vitality last time out. He was instrumental in the first goal; his mazy run putting Bournemouth on the back foot to start the move, while he got the assist for the second. In his opening 3 Premier League games for the North London outfit, the Brazilian has been involved in 5 goals, scoring 2 and assisting 3 more. 6ft4 Adarabioyo will need to show discipline and poise to handle Jesus’ agile and direct running with the ball in and around the penalty area, and will also need to be switched on to his ability to run in behind. If he can cut the supply to the centre forward, Fulham’s chances of getting something will greatly improve.

Andreas Pereira vs Thomas Partey

Who comes out on top in this key midfield battle could also be influential. Pereira has been in fine form since joining The Cottagers and looks to be a really shrewd signing for Marco Silva’s team. One of the key components to Arsenal performing well is the rangey Thomas Partey who, when absent, leaves a notable dearth of quality in their midfield. On his day he is extremely difficult to pass, owing to his ability to cover ground quickly and break up play. If Partey is able to frustrate the diminutive Pereira by limiting his time and space on the ball, it will nullify a big part of Fulham’s threat.

With every week that passes in the Premier League it becomes clearer that no fixture is an easy one. Arsenal will certainly need to be at it if they are to make Mikel Arteta’s 100th game as manager a positive occasion.