Arsenal held by 10-man Fulham after Aaron Ramsdale error

Joao Palhinha scored on his first start of the season having recovered from an achilles strain (Photo: Getty)

Arsenal missed a golden chance to extend their perfect start to the season as Joao Palhinha gave 10-man Fulham a late point in North London.

Andreas Pereira stunned the Gunners just a minute into the game, catching out Aaron Ramsdale from distance to give the visitors an early lead. Arsenal rallied, and Martin Odegaard had an effort chalked off for an offside in the build-up, but the away side took a lead into the break.

Mikel Arteta rang the changes in an effort to get his team back on terms, and one of the subs – Fabio Vieira – won the penalty from which Bukayo Saka equalised before laying on Eddie Nketiah’s go-ahead goal. Calvin Bassey was then sent off for the visitors, fouling Nketiah to earn a second yellow card, but Palhinha stunned the hosts after turning in a corner.

Mikel Arteta’s team went into the game looking to continue their 100 per cent start to the season. Their opponents were coming off a derby defeat to Brentford, and were winless against the Gunners since 2012.

It didn’t take the visitors long to go in front, though, and Arsenal only had themselves to blame. Bukayo Saka’s ball back was right into the path of Pereira, who didn’t connect how he might of wanted with his quickly-taken effort but still did enough to beat the off-balance Aaron Ramsdale.

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