Arsenal player ratings as Bukayo Saka and another 8/10 stand out in win over Fulham

FULHAM 0-1 ARSENAL: Mikel Arteta’s men returned to the Premier League summit with a slender win at Craven Cottage as Leandro Trossard found the net from a set-piece

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought win over Fulham as the kings of the dead-ball struck again at Craven Cottage.

Neither side were able to find a breakthrough in a reasonably uneventful first half, although Riccardo Calafiori did hit the back of the net with a fine first-time strike after straying into an offside position. But as they so often do these days, Arsenal found a way to break the home side’s resistance via a set-piece early in the second half.

Leandro Trossard was in the right place at the right time to stab home Gabriel’s flick-on from a corner. Arsenal thought they had a penalty not long after, only for Anthony Taylor to overturn his decision following a VAR intervention.

Nine additional minutes gave home fans hope that their side could conjure up a late leveller. But Arsenal managed to avoid any drama and saw the game out to clinch another priceless victory. Here are Mirror Football’s player ratings…

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David Raya – 6

Arsenal’s No 1 had very little to do as Fulham failed to hit the target at all.

Jurrien Timber – 8

Has become one of the Premier League’s top defenders since getting over the injury that marred his maiden season. One of those player who gives you a minimum seven out of 10 every week.

Gabriel – 7

Couple of uncharacteristic wobbles in the first half. Another clean sheet, though and it was his header that directed the ball into Trossard’s path for the opening goal.

William Saliba – 7

Stood firm during Fulham’s forays forward without ever looking overly troubled.

Riccardo Calafiori – 6

Denied a peach of a goal by the offside flag and went close later in the first half too. Constantly galloping around in the final third.

Martin Zubimendi – 7

Oozes class and has adapted to life in the Premier League with the absolute minimum of fuss. Can see why so many of Europe’s elite wanted him.

Declan Rice – 7

Grown into such an influential player for Arsenal. Kept things ticking over with Zubimendi in the engine room.

Eberechi Eze – 5

Has slotted into this Arsenal team seamlessly and has magic in those boots but struggled here. No surprise to see him withdrawn on the hour.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Arsenal’s Mr. Consistency and was their best attacker again. Was a constant threat and unfortunate to end the night without a goal contribution.

Leandro Trossard – 6

Scored the Arsenal goal but wasn’t having his best game up until that point. How crucial could his winner be, though?

Viktor Gyokeres – 5

Wasn’t blessed with endless service but unable to beat Bernd Leno in the home goal. Lack of returns will soon be scrutinised further.

SUBS

Mikel Merino – 6

Was steady after replacing Eze just after the hour mark.

Gabriel Martinelli – N/A

Late replacement for Trossard. Didn’t impact the game but will be out to wrestle the jersey away from the Arsenal matchwinner in the coming weeks.

Gabriel Martinelli – N/A

Came on in stoppage time for Gyokeres. Barely had time to break a sweat.

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