Sports
Trossard edges Arsenal past Fulham to keep Gunners top
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aresnal-flog-Fulham-1000x562.jpg&description=Trossard edges Arsenal past Fulham to keep Gunners top', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Aresnal-flog-Fulham-1000x562.jpg&description=Trossard edges Arsenal past Fulham to keep Gunners top', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Belgian’s first goal of the season from another Gunners set-piece secures 1-0 victory in west London
Leandro Trossard’s first Premier League goal of the season proved decisive as Arsenal returned to the top of the table with a 1-0 win at Fulham.
Having been displaced by Manchester City after their 2-0 defeat of Everton earlier on Saturday, the Gunners responded to move three points clear at the top.
Riccardo Calafiori had a sensational strike ruled out for offside in a low-key first half, but Trossard broke the deadlock in the 58th minute following a typically well-worked corner routine.
Bukayo Saka thought he had won Arsenal a penalty after tussling with Kevin inside Fulham’s box, but that decision was overturned following a VAR review, although the Gunners held on to their lead with relative comfort.
While Arsenal will sit pretty at the top for at least another week, even if Liverpool beat Manchester United on Sunday, Fulham are in 14th after a third straight defeat.
Mikel Arteta’s team had the ball in the back of the net in the 18th minute when Calafiori swept a curling effort into the top-right corner, but it was ruled out for offside.
Harry Wilson then fired narrowly wide after collecting Alex Iwobi’s drilled pass before Josh King almost caught David Raya out, with the visiting goalkeeper forced to tip a cross-shot over the bar.
A quiet performance from Viktor Gyokeres almost sparked into life after he was fed by Saka, but the Swede’s right-footed shot from a tight angle was blocked by Bernd Leno.
Arsenal’s persistence eventually paid off just before the hour mark when Saka’s inviting corner was flicked on by Gabriel Magalhaes for Trossard to turn home.
Saka’s overturned spot-kick was the closest either side came until the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Leno was on hand to deny Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli in quick succession.
Fulham certainly made Arsenal work for this victory, though Marco Silva’s team are in worrying form, and sit only three points above the bottom three – even if the season is still young, that is not a sight the Portuguese boss will be content with.
Matters might have been different if not for Raya, who made an early stop from Raul Jimenez before talented teenager King saw a shot towards goal headed over by Declan Rice.
Fulham continued to look the more threatening in the first half as Wilson and King came close, and there was little for Arsenal to write home about in the opening period, that disallowed Calafiori finish aside.
However, Fulham’s cause was not helped by the loss of Joachim Andersen to injury, and the defender’s absence in the area was perhaps pivotal as Trossard capitalised from a set-piece.
Fulham had their chances, though, with Wilson firing two shots over in quick succession, but their attempts at trying to break down the division’s sternest defence proved ineffective.
Silva’s side will try to get back to winning ways next Saturday, but face another tricky test away at Newcastle United.
Arteta and Arsenal knew the importance of all three points against a side they have often struggled against in recent seasons, though they could not get going from an attacking perspective before the break.
Arsenal’s most positive outlet during the first half came down their left between Trossard and Calafiori, who, as well as being denied by the offside flag, also struck a fierce volley over Leno’s crossbar six minutes before the break.
Gyokeres also came close, with Rice ending the first 45 minutes with a curling effort that narrowly evaded the left-hand post from just outside the box, but the Gunners were far from their attacking peak.
But as has often been the case under Arteta, Arsenal’s reliable weapon in their armoury – their set-pieces – came up trumps again. They have now scored 37 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023/24 season, at least 16 more than any other team.
From there, the Gunners’ strong defence was able to navigate the remainder of the contest, doing what Fulham had done to them in the first half, with this result sending a message to their title rivals.
Arsenal return to UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday as they welcome Atletico Madrid to Emirates Stadium, before they host Crystal Palace in the league next weekend.
Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey is mourning the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, who reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The news has plunged the Partey family into mourning, with reports indicating that the circumstances surrounding Jacob Teye Partey’s death have not been disclosed. Funeral and burial arrangements are also yet to be announced by the family.
Thomas Partey had not publicly commented on the death of his father at the time of the reports, as the family comes to terms with the loss.
Jacob Teye Partey played an important role in his son’s football journey and was among the people who supported Thomas during the early stages of his career.
An old interview involving Thomas Partey has resurfaced following his father’s death, highlighting some of the sacrifices Jacob made to help his son pursue his football ambitions.
In a 2018 interview, Thomas recalled that his father sold personal belongings to help him obtain football boots during the formative stages of his career.
The support reportedly went beyond providing equipment. In a separate account, Jacob Teye Partey was said to have sold land and other properties to help finance his son’s move from Ghana to Spain.
That move eventually opened the door to a professional career in Europe, with Thomas joining Atlético Madrid’s youth setup in 2011.
The midfielder gradually progressed through the Spanish club’s system before establishing himself in the senior team. He later became one of Ghana’s prominent international players and went on to play in the English Premier League for Arsenal.
Thomas Partey currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
The death of his father has therefore brought renewed attention to the family support behind the footballer’s rise from Ghana to the international stage.
For many young footballers, the journey to professional football involves significant sacrifices from parents and relatives, particularly when opportunities require travel, equipment and financial support. Jacob’s reported contribution to his son’s career has been highlighted in reports following his passing.
The news has also generated messages of sympathy from members of the Ghanaian football community and supporters, who have expressed condolences to Thomas Partey and the wider family.
Further details about Jacob Teye Partey’s funeral are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
As the Partey family mourns, attention remains on the private loss experienced by the Ghana midfielder and the important role his father played during the early stages of his football journey.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his departure from the Portugal national team training camp following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The veteran forward said his decision came after the national team coach’s press conference, although he did not immediately disclose the specific reasons behind his departure.
As reported by football transfer expert on Wednesday, the Portuguese was quoted as saying, “After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the National Team training camp,” Ronaldo said.
The 41-year-old said he would explain his reasons at a later date, insisting that his commitment to Portugal had always remained strong.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” he said.
Ronaldo also wished the national team and his teammates well following his decision to leave the camp.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates,” he added.
The announcement comes as Portugal prepares for its upcoming international commitments, with Ronaldo’s departure likely to generate significant attention ahead of the team’s next fixtures.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding his decision are expected to emerge when Ronaldo provides his promised explanation.
Newsmen had reported that Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted on Wednesday that there was no rift between him and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the 72-year-old did acknowledge that his captain had been disappointed to remain on the bench in the side’s Nations League win over Norway.
The Gambia produced a stunning result on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, defeating Ghana’s Black Stars 4-2 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The defeat leaves Ghana without a win from their opening two matches in Group C, putting the Black Stars under early pressure in their bid to qualify for the continental tournament.
Ghana began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering another setback against The Gambia on home soil.
The latest loss means the Black Stars must quickly regroup and secure positive results in their remaining group matches if they are to keep their qualification hopes on track.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Nigeria @ 66: Olotu Akpodiete Felicitates Nigerians, Deltans, U3 Constituents, Says Better Days Ahead
CGGN Issues Unreserved Apology, Retracts Allegations Against NAICOM CEO
Nigeria Celebrates Botswana at 60, Pledges Stronger Bilateral Ties
-
News17 hours ago2027: If President Tinubu Loses FCT, Rivers, I Will Resign As Minister — Wike(Video)
-
News17 hours ago141 Days in Captivity: Kwara Kidnap Victim Walks Nine Days Through Bush Before Final Escape
-
News16 hours ago2027: I’ll Replicate Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Achievements in Kogi West — TeeJay Yusuf
-
Foreign8 hours agoTerror in the Sky: Pilot Stabs Co-Pilot, Attempts to Crash Dubai-Israel Flight
-
News16 hours agoNigeria @66: Akpabio celebrates Nigerians’ resilience; urges love, unity, belief in country’s future
-
News15 hours agoNOUN Law Graduates Seek Reps’ Intervention Over Nigerian Law School Mobilisation