Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a narrow win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. The North Londoners went into the game knowing that a draw would be enough to get them ahead of Manchester City, who had defeated Everton earlier in the day. After a hard-fought battle, Leandro Trossard’s second-half goal gave the Gunners the most points.
Both teams had chances to take the lead, but Arsenal made the breakthrough with a corner kick. Trossard, who had previously failed to make an impression, was in the back post position to deflect the ball home from close range. Despite the result, they were far from performing like Arsenal of old, and the absence of Martin Odegaard meant there was an emphasis on creativity in midfield.
Express Sport rates Arsenal players after today’s game and plans…
Arsenal vs Fulham player ratings
David Raya – 6
Most were spectators as Fulham struggled to find goals. He remained sharp enough to cope with the slightest effort.
Julian Timber – 7
He showed another good game, coordinating well with Bukayo Saka and invading the right flank. The defense is also solid.
William Saliba – 6
As always, he was calm and collected in the last place, and performed well enough to deserve a clean sheet.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Although he appeared to be a yard off the pace at times, he eventually settled into the game and helped seal the victory.
Riccardo Calafioli – 7
He was always a threat in the final third. He scored an early top corner, but his strike was disallowed for a slight offside.
Martin Zvimendi – 6
He did his job well enough, taking on much of the dirty work of breaking up the offense before passing the ball to a nearby teammate.
Declan Rice – 6
He pulled Arsenal’s strings with his wide passing, but at times it was difficult to break through Fulham’s press.
Eberechi Eze – 5
They tried to make things happen, but Odegaard’s absence failed to give Arsenal the creative spark they needed.
Leandro Trossard – 6
He was quiet for much of the match until he scored the opening goal, sneaking in at the back post and firing from close range.
Bukayozaka – 8
He gave marker Ryan Sessegnon a terrible time and was at the center of Arsenal’s most dangerous move. Great performance.
Victor Gokeres – 5
I tried hard to get into the right position, but I was covered up and couldn’t take my chances.
substitute
Mikel Merino – 6
He came on for the final 20 minutes and did his job well enough to keep the midfield moving.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
He was allowed a run out in the final stages and tried his luck with an ambitious bicycle kick, but it fell short of the target.
Christian Norgaard – N/A
He was brought on in stoppage time, making his first appearance in the Premier League as an Arsenal player.
