Fulham v Arsenal

The history between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC is a classic West London vs. North London derby, albeit a less intense one compared to some of the more prominent rivalries in English football. However, their encounters are always noteworthy due to the proximity of the clubs and the competitive nature of their matches, especially in recent Premier League seasons.

Early Encounters

• First Meeting: The two teams first met in 1903, playing in the Southern League before the formation of the Football League.

• Inter-War Years: They met sporadically in regional competitions before the formation of the Football League First Division and during the early days of Arsenal’s dominance in English football.

1950s-1970s: A Period of Division

• Arsenal were a dominant force in English football during the 1950s and 1960s, winning league titles and FA Cups, while Fulham was more of a mid-table or lower-tier side, with sporadic appearances in the top flight. Their encounters, therefore, were often unbalanced, with Arsenal claiming most victories.

1980s-1990s: Mid-Table and the Rise of Arsenal

• Fulham’s Struggles: During the 1980s, Fulham spent much of their time in the lower divisions, relegated from the First Division in 1968, and not returning to the top flight until the late 1990s.

• Arsenal’s Glory Years: Arsenal had a more prosperous time in this period, winning several league titles and major trophies under managers like Arsène Wenger. The Gunners dominated most of their meetings in this period.

Premier League Era (1992-Present)

• 1997-1998: This was a significant year for Fulham, as they were promoted to the Premier League. Their first meeting in the Premier League against Arsenal came in the 2001-02 season. Arsenal, then under Arsène Wenger, was at its peak and routinely outclassed Fulham in these matchups.

• 2000s and 2010s: Arsenal consistently finished in the top part of the table, often competing for league titles, while Fulham spent many years in the mid-table, with occasional relegation struggles. However, Fulham had some memorable encounters with Arsenal:

  • 2009-10: Fulham had an impressive season under manager Roy Hodgson, finishing 12th in the Premier League. They recorded a memorable 1-0 victory against Arsenal at Craven Cottage in 2010, thanks to a goal from Bobby Zamora.

  • 2011-12: A thrilling 5-2 victory for Arsenal over Fulham at Craven Cottage was one of the most high-scoring matches between the teams.

• Recent Years: Arsenal has enjoyed continued success in the Premier League, while Fulham has experienced promotion and relegation, with their most recent Premier League stay in the 2020-2021 season. Despite the disparity in their overall league standings, their matches remain competitive, with Fulham often showing grit in the derbies against their more illustrious neighbors.

Head-to-Head Record

• Historically, Arsenal has had the upper hand in the overall head-to-head record, having won more games than Fulham.

• However, Fulham has been known to pull off surprises at Craven Cottage, where they have won several key matches against Arsenal.

Notable Matches:

• 2011-12 (Fulham 2–1 Arsenal): A memorable upset for Fulham when they defeated Arsenal 2-1 at Craven Cottage, with Clint Dempsey scoring an iconic goal.

• 2010-11 (Fulham 1–0 Arsenal): This result was significant for Fulham, as they not only won but also kept a clean sheet against the high-flying Gunners, with Bobby Zamora scoring the winner.

Arsenal’s Dominance:

• Arsenal’s dominance in this fixture was especially apparent during their years of Premier League consistency in the 2000s, finishing in the top four of the league and competing for titles. In contrast, Fulham spent many of those years battling relegation or mid-table finishes.

Conclusion

While not as fierce as Arsenal’s rivalries with Tottenham Hotspur or Chelsea, the matches between Fulham and Arsenal have provided their share of drama, surprise results, and memorable moments. Fulham may not have the same stature as Arsenal, but the proximity of the clubs in West London adds a local flair to their meetings, making them fixtures that both sets of fans look forward to.

The Fulham vs. Arsenal match in the 2025/26 Premier League season is scheduled as follows:

• Fixture Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025

• Kick-off Time: 5:30 PM BST

• Venue: Craven Cottage, London

• Competition: Premier League

This fixture marks a significant London derby between Fulham and Arsenal, both of whom will be eager to secure points in the early stages of the season.

For those interested in attending, hospitality packages are available. One such offering is the Sky Deck experience, which provides premium seating and exclusive amenities. Eventmasters Hospitality