BREAKING NEWS: Although we lost but to be quite honest, I have never seen such a performance from an opposition player in my coaching career before,He was dangerous in the 18yards box yesterday to the extent that all my defenders were afraid of Him”, Fulham coach Named the ONE Arsenal player that really gave them tough time last night

he North Londoners dominated the second period and eventually found a second, when Bukayo Saka nodded in at the back post, following neat interplay between Merino and Gabriel Martinelli.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for the visitors, but Arsenal ultimately secured a 2-1 victory.

The result sees Mikel Arteta’s side strengthen their grip on second place and cut the gap with Liverpool to nine points.

Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham

David Raya – 6

A bystander for much of the game, Raya was astute with his short distribution throughout. One good save from Raul Jimenez in the second half.

Jurrien Timber – 7

Got forward well to support the attack, and recovered effectively from an early injury scare. Typically outstanding defensively.

William Saliba – 7

Guided Jakub Kiwior through the game after Gabriel came off, and was Arsenal’s quarter-back from deep on the pitch, pulling the strings with some excellent passes.

Gabriel Magalhaes – N/A

Gabriel was forced off after just 15 minutes, appearing to have injured his hamstring. The Brazilian was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6

Not his most lively night in possession, but a steady display from Lewis-Skelly nonetheless. A handful of impressive carries in the second period.

Thomas Partey – 4

A sloppy display from the Ghanaian, who offered little in possession, despite some impressive recovery tackles.

Declan Rice – 7

Some nice touches in and around the penalty area, trying to create openings when other members of the team were extremely conservative. Essential to Arsenal suffocating Fulham throughout, winning the ball back for Saka’s goal.

Martin Odegaard – 4

Unusually sloppy, and looked to carry the ball into congested areas instead of using his passing range to break down Fulham’s low block.

Ethan Nwaneri – 7

Unlucky not to score with an exceptional effort in the first half. Lively throughout and got the assist for Merino’s goal with a smart run and cut-back.

Mikel Merino – 6

Pretty quiet up front and struggled to get into dangerous positions frequently. He did, however, break the game open by scoring.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

While not everything came off for the Brazilian, Martinelli was Arsenal’s brightest spark for long periods. Willing to take Timothy Castagne on, the Belgian couldn’t deal with the Arsenal winger at times.

Substitutes

Jakub Kiwior – 6

A few uneasy moments, but largely steady from Kiwior in a game where he wasn’t overly tested defensively.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Immediately posing a threat to Fulham, Saka looked like he’d never been out. Popping up at the back post to tap home the second, the Englishman returned in style