Shortly before the turn of the year, Arsenal FC missed out on at least a temporary return to the top of the table in the English Premier League.
The team around national player Kai Havertz lost 2-1 (1-1) at FC Fulham on New Year’s Eve with former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno in goal and ended 2023 in fourth place with 40 points.
Three days after the 2-0 defeat against West Ham United, it was Arsenal’s next derby defeat. Leaders FC Liverpool and team manager Jürgen Klopp (42 points) can move five points ahead in the home game against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
Aston Villa (2nd/42) had already won 3-2 against Burnley FC on Saturday, third-placed Manchester City, level on points with Arsenal, still has a catch-up game in hand.
At Craven Cottage, Arsenal took an early lead through Bukayo Saka (5th), but Raul Jimenez (29th) and Bobby De Cordova-Reid (69th) turned the game around.