Leandro Trossard's second-half goal was enough for Arsenal to overcome a stubborn Fulham and move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta came into the match without captain Martin Odegaard and named Eberechi Eze in his place as the manager looked to make the most of the attacking talent at his disposal.

However, it was the home side who started brightest and Fulham went close through Harry Wilson and Josh King, who had an effort tipped over the bar by David Raya.

Arsenal grew into the game and Riccardo Calafiori had an excellently worked goal ruled out for offside.

The Gunners started the second half with more intensity and pinned Fulham back for large parts.

That pressure told in the 58th minute when centre-back Gabriel flicked on a Bukayo Saka corner and Trossard was well positioned to fire home from close range at the back post.

Saka thought he had won a penalty to give Arsenal the chance to double their lead, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).

The victory means Arsenal move three points clear of second-placed Manchester City - who were top for a couple of hours on Saturday after beating Everton - with Liverpool four behind in third. Arne Slot's side host Manchester United on Sunday (16:30 BST).

Arsenal analysis: Arsenal move top as set-pieces prove to be key

Arsenal came into the game on a four-match winning streak and it gave them the chance to build a clear lead at the top of the Premier League for the first time this season.

The Gunners have stumbled in their title challenge in the past two seasons at Craven Cottage with a loss and a draw.

But there is a different feel to the Arsenal squad this season - the summer's eight new additions have given Arteta quality options when things get difficult.

Arsenal are well known for their threats from set-pieces, which proved the difference in the match - and it will not be the last time a crucial goal comes from the excellent deliveries they produce from Saka and Declan Rice.

Arsenal have scored eight goals from set-pieces this season, seven of them from corners.

Arteta spoke in his post-match press conference about how Arsenal prepare to score from set-pieces against teams that defend deep as they win so many corners.

His side have now scored more goals from corners than any other side in the Premier League this season, with this their 63rd since the start of 2021-22. No other side in the league has more than 47.

The Gunners have navigated a difficult start to the season well, with Saturday's win extending their unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions. They now have the chance to build on that good work.

Fulham analysis: King impresses again in loss

Josh King has been one of the real standouts for Fulham in his first season playing in the first team at Craven Cottage.

The 18-year-old played with a real maturity in the first half, taking the ball in dangerous areas and looking to build attacks.

He had a shot deflected over from the edge of the box and forced Raya into a smart piece of goalkeeping to tip the ball over the bar after King crossed following a mazy dribble.

King started his first match for the England Under-21s on Monday and Marco Silva will be delighted with the progress that the youngster has made already this season - even if the manager will be disappointed to lose the game to Arsenal. (BBC)

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