Premier LeagueArsenalFulham

Arsenal have made the best start to the 2022/23 season in the English Premier League. In 1938/39, Everton last managed to record three consecutive victories at the start of the new campaign, after losing the first three rounds the year before. With these three consecutive successes, the Gunners are returning to better times. They last started this way in 2004/05 when they won each of the first five rounds.

Today, Arsenal go out as absolute favorites against newcomers Fulham. There are few who expect a surprise, and the reason for this is the strong start of each of the past meetings by the Gunners. Jesus and company got off to a flying start against Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth, leading at the break in those matches. The first two were won by a two-goal difference, and last week "Chereshki" were defeated with the classic 3:0 in the most decisive success of the game so far.

Fulham are one of seven teams in the standings to go unbeaten, and that's an excellent start for a newcomer to the division. The Cottagers have impressed in their two home games so far, having no fear of Liverpool in the first and twice leading to a 2-2 draw. Against Brentford last week, a two-goal lead was wasted, but Mitrovic was accurate in the last minute of regular time for 3:2. On their only away trip to the Championship, Fulham drew 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers in a tie, and in the week lost to Crawley in the second round of the League Cup.

The last edition of this rivalry was on April 18, 2021 at the Emirates Stadium. The match then surprisingly finished 1-1 and ended Arsenal's run of six consecutive victories in this rivalry. I expect this streak to resume today. Fulham have certainly shown merit so far and are making a clear case that they will establish themselves in the elite. However, Arsenal are bound to take advantage of their rivals' weak start and pull up the standings with this favorable schedule. Again, I am betting on a strong start for the hosts and an advance in their favor at the break.