'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Fulham face an uphill task of surviving in the Premier League
There were undeniably bright moments for Fulham in the first half when Leno had to make a couple of saves to preserve Arsenal's early advantage. However, in the second half, the Cottagers had absolutely no chance of testing the German.
Parker brought on Fulham's talisman Mitrovic after falling behind by three goals but his attempts to salvage the situation were proven futile. The visitors were dominant throughout the game and never stopped creating more chances for themselves.
While it's still too early to predict Fulham's fortune in the league this season, their backline was torn apart by Arsenal's attackers, and Parker would have lots of work to do. When they face even tougher opponents such as Chelsea and Liverpool, the Cottagers are probably going to endure an equally difficult time.
#2 The ongoing Arsenal transfer activity behind-the-scenes
Despite participating in training, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil were all left out of the matchday squad. Instead, Mohamed Elneny retained his position in the starting eleven after Arsenal's victory in the Community Shield.
In his pre-match conference, Mikel Arteta addressed transfer rumours and said:
"Number-wise, some positions are overbooked. "
"Some others are in terms of the specific qualities we need, they are still not there."
The club has yet to sell any of their first-team players but many have been linked with moves away from London. Given Elneny's strong performance in his last two games, he might have been given a lifeline and looks likely to stay with the team beyond this summer.
On the other hand, Emiliano Martinez's omission from the squad shows that he is expected to leave in the coming days. Both Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Aston Villa are keen on the Argentine's services. If Arsenal can command a good fee from the sale Martinez, Arteta would surely invest in more signings to boost the quality of his side.
#1 Arsenal's dream of finishing in the top four is on track
Under Arteta, Arsenal have certainly become a more disciplined and cohesive unit. Similar to their displays against Manchester City and Liverpool, the players once again showed their ability to perform under pressure, concentrate throughout the 90 minutes and convert their chances.
The 38-year-old Spaniard deserves all the credit for the work he has done to transform the Gunners and judging by the team's performance today, Arsenal are indeed improving day by day.
The North London team have not played in the UEFA Champions League since 2017 and this is severely affecting Arsenal's chances of attracting players in transfer windows. As such, one of Arteta's main aims will be to finish in the top four and qualify for the top-tier European competition by next summer. With confidence running high in the team, the Gunners have to believe in their manager and trust that they will be able to return to the UCL.
