Fulham manager Marco Silva is determined to bring Fulham’s winless run away at Arsenal to an end.
At both Highbury and the Emirates Stadium, Fulham have never won away at the Gunners in the Premier League era. It’s a record that the boss is keen to bring to an end, with his side firmly in the hunt for a European spot.
With Arsenal fighting for their first Premier League title in 22 years, and with Manchester City breathing down their necks, Silva was asked in his pre-match press conference whether Fulham could take advantage of any tension and anxiety inside the Emirates on Saturday evening.
“Let’s hope we can use that,” Silva replied. “That depends on us, it depends on them, and it depends on many things. Whether the environment is tense or not depends on how we play and whether we are good enough to make it happen. Simple as that.
“Arsenal are a top side, a side that are title contenders, that play to win all of their games, but are also the most solid team in the league.
“They are a team, that even if they are not playing at their best level, they have other ways to punish the opposition.
“They are very difficult to play against. When at their best level, they are a top side. Compact, solid, they work hard off the ball, starting from the striker. They are a team that don’t give up a lot of space to the opposition.”
“You try to analyse them, and against Atlético Madrid, their frontline was [Viktor] Gyökeres, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Noni] Madueke and [Gabriel] Martinelli. But it could be [Bukayo] Saka, [Eberechi] Eze and [Leandro] Trossard.
It’s clear for us, that their squad depth is better than seasons before, so they can totally change their frontline. It speaks about themselves, and the quality and depth that they have.”
“We also enjoy this type of situation, we just have to look at ourselves and be competitive to fight for the three points. Three points to fight for – and we will fight.”