Arsenal cleared another sizable hurdle on Sunday as they cruised past Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage.
After Manchester City had cut the gap back to a couple of points, the Gunners knew they needed a win when they kicked off the following day. But a trip to Fulham is no gimme, with Marco Silva’s side one of the surprise packages of the entire season.
However, there was never any fear of a falter as goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and the brilliant Martin Odegaard took them to victory. They remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League with just 11 games remaining.
Thoughts now switch to the Europa League and Sporting with the second leg of their round-of-16 clash coming up on Thursday. Here are the latest Arsenal headlines from Mirror Football.
Odegaard > De Bruyne
Jamie Redknapp now believes the Arsenal skipper has assumed the position of best Premier League midfielder. Odegaard has been in stunning form all season and is rightly being recognised by pundits and neutrals alike.
"Right now he’s number one. There’s nobody [better]," Redknapp said. "Normally we would say Kevin De Bruyne is the best midfield player, not just in the Premier League but the world, but something isn’t quite right.”
Team over Trossard
Leandro Trossard has declared Gabriel Jesus’ return to fitness a major boost - despite it potentially limiting his chances. The January signing broke a Premier League record at Fulham, becoming the first ever player to register a hat-trick of assists in one half.
Trossard has been used as ‘false nine’ in Jesus’ absence, but with the Brazilian returning on Sunday, he accepts there is now a fight for his place. “There is now more competition for places - a lot,” he explained.
“You can see his presence. He makes other players better as well. We need everyone and it’s great to have him back.”
Giroud’s message for Balogun
Despite not being a part of Arteta’s title-chasing squad, Folarin Balogun’s reputation continues to flourish. The Gunners youngster has been one of the standout strikers in Europe, plundering 17 goals in 28 Stade Reims appearances.
That has led to some speculation regarding his future, with AC Milan one of the clubs said to be in the mix. If he was to go to the San Siro it would likely be to replace Olivier Giroud, but there are no hard feelings from the ex-Arsenal star.
In a message, the Frenchman said: “I remember you when you played for the youth teams in Arsenal. I am very happy for you and you deserve to be there.”
