[Source: Reuters]

Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday and carved out a small slice of top-flight history in the process.

Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and captain Martin Odegaard all scored in the first half as the Gunners became the first team to win five consecutive away London derbies without conceding a single goal.

The Gunners began the day with second-placed Manchester City hot on their heels after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday pulled the reigning champs within two points.

With 11 games remaining, Mikel Arteta’s side can stretch the gap to eight points with a home win against Crystal Palace next Sunday before Manchester City’s next appointment in the Premier League.

Marco Silva’s Fulham Cottagers, who had lost only once in their previous seven home games in all competitions, are eighth in the league.

Gabriel, who also netted his debut goal against Fulham in 2020, put Arsenal on the scoreboard in the 21st minute with a header from inside a crowded six-yard box off Trossard’s corner kick.

The Gunners had appeared to get on the board even earlier but Antonee Robinson’s own goal was ruled offside by the VAR.

Trossard teed up Martinelli in the 26th minute when his arching cross dropped at the far post for an easy header, the Brazilian’s 12th goal of the season. Only four Premier League players have scored more.

Seconds before halftime, Odegaard took two touches to control Trossard’s cross before smashing the ball past Fulham — and former Arsenal — keeper Bernd Leno.

Trossard, who was signed by Arsenal in January, said he had no negative feelings about not scoring.

Brazilian Gabriel Jesus earned a roar from Gunners fans when he entered the game in the 77th minute, his first action since a knee injury suffered at the World Cup in November.

Jesus nearly scored in the 85th but his shot from close range went straight to the keeper.

Fulham found some life midway through the second half, with a couple of excellent scoring chances, including a header by Aleksandar Mitrovic that clanged off the crossbar.

Looking at other results, Westham and Aston Villa drew 1 all, Newcastle defeated Wolves 2-1, and Man United and Southampton did not score any goal during their match.