⚽ Harry Wilson Reveals the Arsenal Star Who Gave Fulham the Most Trouble — and It’s Not Who You Think
Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson has opened up about the intensity of his side’s recent Premier League clash with Arsenal, revealing the one Gunners player who caused the most problems throughout the match — and, surprisingly, it wasn’t Bukayo Saka or Leandro Trossard.
In a hard-fought encounter at Craven Cottage, Arsenal edged Fulham to claim a crucial win that kept them firmly in the title race. Mikel Arteta’s men once again demonstrated their growing maturity and tactical discipline, dominating possession and patiently breaking down Fulham’s stubborn defensive shape.
Yet, while many expected Arsenal’s usual attacking threats to be the difference-makers, Wilson admitted that it was Martin Ødegaard, the Gunners’ captain and creative fulcrum, who proved nearly impossible to contain.
“He really put us under pressure yesterday; it was so difficult to handle him,” Wilson said after the match. “Ødegaard is such a great player in a great team. The way he drifts between the lines and always seems to know where to play the next pass is unbelievable. Every time we thought we had him marked, he found another pocket of space. You can’t switch off for a second with players like that.”
Ødegaard’s movement, vision, and ability to dictate tempo have made him one of the Premier League’s most influential playmakers, and Sunday’s performance was another example of his quiet domination.
Fulham, to their credit, were organized and competitive throughout. Marco Silva’s side pressed intelligently and defended compactly, but the relentless pressure from Arsenal’s midfield — particularly Ødegaard and Declan Rice — eventually wore them down.
Sander Berge, who anchored Fulham’s midfield, echoed Wilson’s frustration:
“It’s always tough against Arsenal. They press you so high and don’t give you time to breathe. We tried to stay compact, but their quality on the ball and movement off it is world-class. Sometimes all it takes is one lapse, and they punish you — that’s exactly what happened today.”
Arsenal’s composure under pressure reflected the evolution of Arteta’s team. Unlike in previous seasons, when they might have panicked or forced play, the Gunners remained patient, recycling possession and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Ødegaard was at the heart of it all — dictating rhythm, linking play, and leading with authority. His ability to control the game’s tempo and unlock defenses with subtle passes once again highlighted why he is one of the Premier League’s standout captains.
Fulham’s frustration grew as Arsenal tightened their grip on the match. Every clearance seemed to fall back to a red shirt, every counter quickly smothered by Arsenal’s press.
“Against teams like Arsenal, you can’t just defend and hope for the best,” Wilson admitted. “They’re too smart, too organized. You need to match their energy and stay focused for every second. Even when you defend well, someone like Ødegaard or Rice can unlock everything with one pass.”
The result may have been narrow, but the performance spoke volumes. Arsenal showcased the control and patience of a team capable of challenging for silverware, while Fulham left the pitch with respect earned but points lost.
Arteta praised his players’ focus and adaptability after the final whistle, calling it “a professional, mature performance.”
For Fulham, there were still positives — defensive resilience, structure, and flashes of threat from Wilson and Willian — but Ødegaard’s influence proved decisive.
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of the title, one thing is clear: when Ødegaard is in this kind of form, stopping Arsenal is nearly impossible. Even the opposition can’t help but admire him.
