Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday, conceding from an 87th-minute corner to overshadow what would have been an impressive comeback, writes Adam Perry.

Leandro Trossard started up top in place of Eddie Nketiah as Mikel Arteta continued to tinker with his new system at the start of the season.

But all preparations went out the window after a series of errors gifted Fulham a goal inside the first minute.

It’s the third time a first-minute goal has been allowed at the Emirates in 2023 and an issue that Arsenal have to address if they want to compete for the top honours.

The Gunners are often so effective from winning positions and giving their opponents the initiative causes problems for the full 90 minutes.

Arsenal created a number of promising attacks throughout the first half but lacked some of the fluidity shown last season to finish off moves, squandering a number of chances.

This was typified by Trossard and Kai Havertz, in particular, who looked short on confidence and struggled to combine effectively with his teammates.

Despite this, Arsenal created more than enough chances to win the game, while limiting Fulham to just three shots on target, a common theme in the opening league games. 

The Gunners still look slightly disjointed but the return of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus should improve that, and the performances have still been good enough to win games.

In time, once it all starts to click, Arsenal will be set up to go on a run in the league.

Perhaps the most positive development from the game was the arrival of Fabio Vieira. Arteta made a gutsy move to bring him on just 10 minutes after half-time and the Portuguese playmaker completely transformed the game.

Vieira first won a penalty with a smart run into the box - with Bukayo Saka converting from the spot to level - before teeing up Nketiah from close range with a perfectly weighted cross.

The biggest difference was Vieira’s aggression to receive the ball and make things happen - and Arsenal will hope he can replicate his electric cameo.

Up next Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday (4.30pm) for their first test against a traditional 'Big Six' side.