3 positives and negatives from the 2-2 draw against Fulham

Arsenal came from a goal behind against Fulham at the Emirates but eventually squandered a 2-1 lead as the visitors rescued a point against the Gunners late on. 

A rare mistake from Bukayo Saka saw Fulham take a surprise early lead and the Cottagers were able to frustrate the Gunners until the 70th minute when Saka rectified his mistake by firing home from the penalty spot.

Two minutes later, substitute Eddie Nketiah, unlucky not to have started the game, expertly guided home a fantastic Fabio Vieira cross to give Arsenal the lead.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to build on their advantage and were eventually pegged back late on, succumbing to a disappointing 2-2 draw. Here are three positives and negatives from Saturday’s game.

3 positives and negatives from draw against Fulham

Positive #1: Fabio Vieira

I am by no means Fabio Vieira’s biggest fan, however, his substitute appearance in this match was very impressive.

Even before his assist for Nketiah, the Portuguese’s energy and desire to make things happen resulted in the 23-year-old winning the penalty that ultimately gave the Gunners a lifeline in the game.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was keen to praise Vieira for his impact, saying:

"“With Fabio I’m delighted for him as well because he hasn’t played any minutes so far this season and to see a player that comes with that determination and that positiveness to this team and has the impact that he had, it’s difficult to see and really pleasing. I’m really happy for him as well.”"

An impressive cameo from the bench is of course no guarantee of a good performance from the start, however, with Kai Havertz struggling for form in his new role, Vieira is certainly knocking on the door to replace the German in the starting lineup.

Negative #1: Kai Havertz

Speaking of Havertz, the German is the first negative from the match that I am going to discuss. Given that we signed the 24-year-old from Chelsea, I desperately wanted him to be a success, to prove the doubters, of which I was and still am, wrong and to flourish under Arteta’s guidance.

However, after watching his performances during pre-season, as well as his displays in the Premier League so far, it is incredibly difficult to see that happening at this stage. Perhaps most disappointing is the fact that all three matches have seemed to pass the German by, with Havertz seemingly having little to no effect on the outcome of the match in any way.

It is still early on his Arsenal career so I don’t want to be too harsh, but Havertz’s form must improve – that much is undeniable.

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