Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham - Trossard heroics, Saka stars and Gyokeres misses the mark

Arsenal went four points clear of rivals Liverpool with a very hard-fought victory at Fulham. Having to again hold a narrow lead late into the day against a fellow London side.

The Gunners weathered an early Fulham storm before Riccardo Calafiori thought he had given his side the lead, but having struck a beautifully first-time shot was rightfully flagged for being in an offside position.

Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock after tapping in from Gabriel’s flicked header from yet another set-piece. Saka then thought he had been awarded a penalty but VAR showed that Kevin had indeed got the ball.

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Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal team.

David Raya – Had very little to do throughout and ended the game effectively as a good distributor but not needed for his shot-stopping. 6

Jurrien Timber – Lacking some of his usual sharpness in the advanced positions in the first half, losing possession where a chance could have been created. It was not one of the Dutchman’s better displays in an Arsenal shirt. 6

William Saliba – Was caught on the break and couldn’t find his feet to prevent Raul Jimenez running through but thankfully the resulting chance was hit over by Wilson. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes – Two loose passes set up a chance for Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson which thankfully for the Brazilian weren’t taken. However, like so many times before, especially against Fulham, some early errors heralded a response as it was his ficked headed that led to Trossard scoring. 7

Riccardo Calafiori – Very unfortunate to be half a foot offside after a beautifully volleyed finish past Bernd Leno. Saw another volley fly just over the bar too as his chaos mode was in full effect. 7

Martin Zubimendi – Orchestrated from deep as consistently as always and moved into some advanced positions as he dovetailed nicely with Declan Rice. 7

Declan Rice – Good ball through from Declan Rice to Viktor Gyokeres in the opening minutes, which should have led to a better chance. Came very close to a goal before the half-time whistle with a strike from the edge of the box going just wide. 7

Eberechi Eze – Loose with the ball in the middle of the field, being dispossessed and leading to a chance for Josh King to have an attempt. Changed on the 62nd minute, he had a pretty quiet game overall. 6

Bukayo Saka – Brilliant pass through to Gyokeres, who should have arguably scored with the chance before the break. Nearly produced an unbelievably well-worked goal with nutmegs and skill but Leno found a hand to the strike. 8

Viktor Gyokeres – Tried to cut the ball back after being set into the left half-space, but sadly, no one was on the end of it. Set through again by Saka in the 37th, one-on-one with Leno, his strike was hit hard but at a good height for the German to parry away.

Missed a very good chance on his left-foot from close range, skying the ball far over the bar. 6

Leandro Trossard – Provided some excellent defensive work to cut out a Fulham attack down the right in the tenth minute. Brilliant touch inside to Calafiori for his ruled out goal.

Had a great chance early in the second period at the back post, but dragged his shot wide of the goal. But he would find the net with his upper leg, guiding a flicked Gabriel header from a corner into the net. 8

Substitutions:

Mikel Merino – Brought on to replace Eberechi Eze and had a great chance to strike at the edge of the box but mishit the attempt. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Saw an overhead kick blocked by Calvin Cassey. 6

Christian Norgaard - Came on too late to influence the game. n/a