Gabriel goes from zero to hero as Arsenal fight back to beat Fulham and maintain perfect start
- Planet Sport writer
- 27 August 2022
Gabriel Magalhaes atoned for a monumental error by scoring the winning goal and extending Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.
The Brazil defender was badly caught out by Aleksandar Mitrovic as the Gunners came from behind to win 2-1 and retain their place at the top of the table.
Mitrovic's goal, his 100th for Fulham and his fourth of the season - already more than he managed in the entirety of their relegation campaign two years ago - gave the visitors hope of continuing their own unbeaten start to the season.
Instead, Martin Odegaard equalised with a deflected strike before Gabriel made amends by bundling home the winner five minutes from the end.
Mikel Arteta had been forced into making changes to his line-up for the first time this season as the injured Thomas Partey and Oleksandar Zinchenko dropped out.
Gabriel and Odegaard continue Arsenal's charge
Unlike their victory over Bournemouth last weekend, the Gunners could not set the tone with a quick opening goal as Fulham held them at bay.
Leno was not forced into meaningful action until after the half-hour, keeping out Bukayo Saka.
Star forward Gabriel Jesus should have done better with a chance as the hosts looked to kick on after the interval.
But it would be Fulham who broke the deadlock, Gabriel caught dawdling in possession by Mitrovic, who overpowered his marker and calmly slotted home.
This weekend a year ago, Arsenal were destroyed 5-0 by Manchester City and sat bottom of the table.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 27, 2022
Look at them now 🥳 pic.twitter.com/XxkGJFuJyD
Odegaard, fresh from his brace against the Cherries, equalised with a hint of fortune as his shot deflected off Tosin Adarabioyo and past the wrong-footed Leno.
In the closing stages, it was Gabriel who atoned for his earlier error, poking home the loose ball after Leno had failed to deal with a corner that dropped to the feet of the Brazilian.
The goal survived two VAR checks, the first for a foul on Leno and the second for a handball against Gabriel, both tight calls which went Arsenal's way.
