The Gunners dropped two crucial points in the Premier League title race after being held at Craven Cottage
Arsenal's title chances suffered a major blow as their four-match winning run came to an end following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.
With Liverpool's game at Everton having fallen victim to the weather 24 hours earlier, Mikel Arteta's side had the opportunity to move within four points of the league leaders with a win at Craven Cottage.
But, just like last season, they were frustrated by the Cottagers and had to settle for a point, with Bukayo Saka having what looked to have been a last-minute winner ruled out by VAR.
The visitors dominated the early exchanges but were caught by a sucker punch when Kenny Tete sent Raul Jimenez clear and the Mexican striker finished superbly having got in behind Jakub Kiwior.
Arsenal dominated the remainder of the first half, but rarely looked like troubling a resolute Fulham defence, with Saka going closest when he tested Bernd Leno after a mazy run into the box.
An equaliser did arrive early in the second half, however, from yet another Arsenal set piece. This time it was William Saliba who finished it off, deflecting Kai Havertz's header in following an inswinging Declan Rice corner.
Arsenal pressed forward after that looking for a winner and after Thomas Partey had missed a golden chance to make it 2-1, Saka thought he had headed home at the death, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR check due to Gabriel Martinelli being offside in the build-up.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Craven Cottage…
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David Raya (7/10):
Could do nothing with Jimenez's excellent finish. Was largely a spectator aside from that, apart from one stop in the second half after a Fulham counter.
Thomas Partey (6/10):
At right-back once again due to injury problems. Saw plenty of the ball, but never really got on the overlap.
William Saliba (8/10):
Solid enough. Just couldn't get over to Jimenez in time to stop him opening the scoring. Was in the right place to deflect in the equaliser.
Jakub Kiwior (5/10):
Raul Jimenez got behind him for Fulham's early goal. Another tough afternoon for him at Craven Cottage, although he did improve after the interval.
Jurrien Timber (7/10):
Moved across again to cover at left-back. Just never looks as comfortable over there, despite being able to do the job.
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Jorginho (6/10):
Composed as always in the midfield, but couldn't really impact things from an attacking sense.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Went close with one effort in the first half which went past the far post. Drove Arsenal forward in the second half.
Martin Odegaard (5/10):
Fulham did well to limit his impact. Seemed to pick up a knock early on which caused him problems.
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Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Probably Arsenal's brightest player. Tough battle against Robinson, who did well, but Saka still looked the most likely to make things happen for Arsenal. Unlucky not to have won it late on when his header was ruled out.
Kai Havertz (5/10):
Never really in the game. Lacked intent at times when Arsenal put balls into the box, but it was his header that led to Saliba's equaliser.
Leandro Trossard (5/10):
Was a passenger at times, with Arsenal preferring to attack down the right side. Always left him on the fringes of things.
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Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
His arrival did inject a bit more energy and threat down the left side. Thought he had set up the winner late on, but was ruled to be inches offside after a VAR check.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Strangely opted not to at least attempt to get on the end of Rice's scooped pass. His lack of confidence is clear.
Mikel Merino (5/10):
Replaced the tiring Jorginho, but never really got into the game.
Ethan Nwaneri (N/A):
On for Odegaard for the final 10 minutes.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
Opted to switch Timber to left-back to cover for the injured Zinchenko and to play Partey at right-back. That seemed to unbalance Arsenal, especially in the first half.
