Introduction to the London Derby
The Arsenal vs Fulham fixture is a cross-London derby, with Emirates Stadium in north London and Craven Cottage in west London separated by about 8 miles, combining Arsenal’s storied success with Fulham’s community-rooted resilience. First played on November 10, 1907, in the First Division (Arsenal 3-0 win), the matchup has seen sporadic intensity, heightened during Fulham’s Premier League stints since 2001. Arsenal, with 13 league titles, dominates the record, but Fulham has sprung surprises, like their 2-1 win at Craven Cottage on December 31, 2023. As of September 15, 2025, following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory on August 23, 2025, Arsenal leads the all-time tally, with recent games featuring dynamic counters and set-piece battles, averaging 3.0 goals per game in the Premier League era.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal holds a substantial advantage over Fulham across all competitions since 1907, with Fulham’s wins primarily from earlier eras. Data includes approximately 36 competitive matches, with slight variations in sources.
| Category | Arsenal Wins | Fulham Wins | Draws | Total Matches | Goals (Arsenal : Fulham) |
| All Competitions | 24 | 5 | 7 | 36 | 79 : 35 (approx.) |
| Premier League Only | 14 | 3 | 7 | 24 | 49 : 22 |
| FA Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | N/A |
| League Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | N/A |
Key notes: Arsenal unbeaten in 8 of the last 10 league derbies (6 wins, 2 draws). Average goals per game: 3.1 overall, 3.0 in Premier League. Clean sheets: Arsenal 12, Fulham 5.
Recent Head-to-Head Matches (Last 10 Encounters)
Arsenal has controlled recent meetings, winning 6 of the last 10 with a +15 goal differential, often via higher possession (average 58%) and corners (75 total for Arsenal). The August 23, 2025, 3-1 win at Emirates featured Saka’s brace. Below is a detailed table of the last 10 competitive meetings, including stats like red cards, yellow cards, corners, free kicks, possession, assists, and key scorers.
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result | Red Cards (Ars : Ful) | Yellow Cards (Ars : Ful) | Corners (Ars : Ful) | Free Kicks (Ars : Ful) | Possession (Ars : Ful) | Assists (Ars : Ful) | Key Scorers |
| August 23, 2025 | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 3-1 Fulham | 0-0 | 2-3 | 9-4 | 11-10 | 62%-38% | 2-1 | Saka (2), Havertz; Jimenez |
| December 31, 2023 | Premier League | Craven Cottage | Fulham 2-1 Arsenal | 0-0 | 3-2 | 5-7 | 12-9 | 45%-55% | 2-1 | Reid, De Cordova-Reid; Saka |
| August 26, 2023 | Premier League | Craven Cottage | Fulham 2-2 Arsenal | 0-1 | 4-2 | 4-8 | 10-11 | 42%-58% | 2-2 | Pereira, Palhinha; Saka (pen), Nketiah |
| December 26, 2022 | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 2-1 Fulham | 0-0 | 1-4 | 10-3 | 9-12 | 60%-40% | 2-1 | Saka, Nketiah; Mitrovic |
| August 27, 2022 | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 2-1 Fulham | 0-0 | 2-3 | 7-5 | 11-10 | 58%-42% | 1-1 | Saliba, Ødegaard; Mitrovic |
| April 18, 2021 | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 1-1 Fulham | 0-0 | 3-2 | 6-4 | 10-9 | 55%-45% | 1-1 | Ceballos; Maja (pen) |
| September 12, 2020 | Premier League | Craven Cottage | Fulham 0-3 Arsenal | 0-0 | 1-3 | 3-9 | 8-12 | 40%-60% | 0-2 | None; Lacazette, Gabriel, Aubameyang |
| January 1, 2019 | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 4-1 Fulham | 0-0 | 2-1 | 8-5 | 12-8 | 65%-35% | 3-1 | Lacazette, Ramsey, Aubameyang, Lacazette; Kamara |
| October 7, 2018 | Premier League | Craven Cottage | Fulham 1-5 Arsenal | 0-0 | 4-2 | 5-6 | 13-11 | 48%-52% | 1-4 | Schurrle; Lacazette (2), Aubameyang (2), Ramsey |
| January 18, 2014 | Premier League | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 2-0 Fulham | 0-0 | 1-3 | 9-4 | 10-9 | 63%-37% | 1-0 | Cazorla (2); None |
H2H Detailed Analysis
Arsenal’s recent dominance is evident in key stats: they’ve outpossessed Fulham in 8 of the last 10 (average 58%), amassing 73 corners compared to Fulham’s 40, with 25% of goals from set-pieces (e.g., Saliba’s header in 2022). Fulham’s successes or draws stem from quick counters, averaging 2.7 yellow cards per game (higher than Arsenal’s 2.1) due to tactical fouls. Aggregate score over last 10: Arsenal 25-10 Fulham. At Emirates, Arsenal is unbeaten in 9 home derbies (7 wins, 2 draws), with 60% average possession and 8.0 corners per game, exploiting Fulham’s away struggles (conceding 2.2 goals in 5 visits). Factors include Saka’s wing threat (4 goals in derbies) and Jimenez/Mitrovic’s finishing (3 goals combined), but Arsenal’s clean sheets (3 in last 10) underscore superiority. Overall, Arsenal’s unbeaten run in 6 recent derbies and Fulham’s discipline lapses (14 yellows in last 5) suggest continued Arsenal edge, with average 1.8 assists from Arsenal hosts.
Key Stats & Performance Insights
The Arsenal-Fulham derby mixes Arsenal’s technical dominance with Fulham’s spirited counters, as seen in these metrics:
- Goals Per Game Average: 3.1 overall; 3.5 in last 10, with Arsenal scoring 2.5 per game vs. Fulham’s 1.0.
- Corners & Set-Pieces: Arsenal averages 7.3 corners per game (73 in last 10), leading to 20% of goals; Fulham 4.0, scoring 15% from theirs via breaks.
- Possession & Shots: Arsenal 58% average possession recently, with 13.5 shots (5.2 on target) vs. Fulham’s 10.2 shots (3.8 on target). Free kicks: Fulham edges with 10.5 per game.
- Discipline: 4.8 yellow cards total per game (Ful 2.7 : Ars 2.1); reds rare (1 in last 10). Fulham has 13 yellows in last 5 away derbies.
- Top Scorers in Derby History: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal, 5 goals); Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal, 4); Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, 4 rising); Clint Dempsey (Fulham, 3).
- Win Streaks & Home/Away: Arsenal’s current 2-win streak; longest Fulham streak: 1 (2023). Arsenal unbeaten in 12 home derbies vs Fulham.
- Other Metrics: Clean sheets: Arsenal 3 in last 10; over 2.5 goals in 70% of recent derbies. Saka’s conversion rate: 50% in fixtures.
These highlight Arsenal’s build-up creating opportunities, while Fulham relies on transitions.
Memorable Matches & Iconic Moments
The derby has produced notable drama, particularly in recent years:
- November 10, 1907 (First Division): Arsenal 3-0 Fulham – Convincing inaugural win.
- October 7, 2018 (Premier League): Fulham 1-5 Arsenal – Arsenal’s biggest PL win over Fulham, Ramsey’s heel flick goal.
- September 12, 2020 (Premier League): Fulham 0-3 Arsenal – Arsenal’s strong start to season, Gabriel’s debut goal.
- April 18, 2021 (Premier League): Arsenal 1-1 Fulham – Late Maja penalty denies Arsenal amid relegation battle.
- August 27, 2022 (Premier League): Arsenal 2-1 Fulham – Ødegaard’s winner keeps Arsenal’s perfect start.
- August 26, 2023 (Premier League): Fulham 2-2 Arsenal – Dramatic draw with 10-man Arsenal equalizing late.
- December 31, 2023 (Premier League): Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Fulham’s upset ends Arsenal’s title push momentum.
- August 23, 2025 (Premier League): Arsenal 3-1 Fulham – Saka’s brace in season opener.
These moments feature upsets and high-scoring affairs.
Evolution of the Rivalry
Initially a one-sided affair with Arsenal’s early dominance in the 1900s-90s, the rivalry gained traction during Fulham’s 2001 Premier League entry, evolving from lopsided wins to competitive encounters under managers like Wenger and Hodgson. Tactics shifted to Arsenal’s possession play (up 10% since 2010) vs. Fulham’s direct style, with yellow cards averaging 5 per game from increased intensity. Fan banter centers on Fulham’s “yo-yo club” status vs. Arsenal’s elite aspirations, but shared London roots add camaraderie.
Future Outlook & Next Fixture
With Arsenal aiming for titles and Fulham for survival, the December 27, 2025, clash at Craven Cottage could see Arsenal’s possession (60%+) and corners dominate, but Fulham’s home form poses risks. Young talents like Arsenal’s academy stars vs. Fulham’s recruits may invigorate this derby.
