Arsenal 2–1 Fulham Player Ratings: Superb Saka Back on the Pitch and Scores As Arsenal Beat Fulham

Arsenal continued their pursuit of Liverpool with a 2-1 win against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Merino opened the scoring after a nervy start to the game as we were approaching half-time. Fulham stayed in the game till a point but it all changed as Bukayo Saka entered the pitch and scored the goal that settled the game. Rodrigo Muniz was the hero and villain for Fulham as he missed a glorious chance after coming on but did score one in the stoppage time for them.

Mikel Arteta welcomed back Bukayo Saka from a lengthy injury lay-off, but he wasn’t ready to start on the night. Mikel Merino continued as the striker after his goal-scoring exploits for club and country. Martin Odegaard took the creative burden to break down an exciting Fulham side.

Marco Silva’s side came into this clash on the back of a disappointing cup exit to Crystal Palace. They were within touching distance of European spots and needed a strong finish to the league season to cap off a fine year. He named a five-man defence intending to nullify Arsenal’s heavy artillery. Raul Jimenez came into the lineup ahead of Rodrigo Muniz, and so did the ex-Gunner Emile Smith Rowe.

Fulham were a thorn in Arsenal’s path over the last three games in the Premier League. The Cottagers, with their mid-block and fast transitions, dented their title hopes multiple times. This time, they came in with a low block at the Emirates Stadium. They started the game boldly by playing out from the back as all the centre-backs and midfielders were involved in good passing moves. Arsenal eventually found their footing and got going.

Thomas Partey had the first real chance of the game, and he should’ve scored with his rebound from outside the box. Arsenal lost their influential centre-back, Gabriel, to a potential hamstring injury just 15 minutes into the game and had to replace him. Gabriel Martinelli then found Ethan Nwaneri with a great cross, and Bernd Leno comfortably beat the youngster’s volley away.

Mikel Merino was on the target again in the 38th minute as Nwaneri picked him out in the box with a cutback. Merino collected the ball and poked an effort that was deflected by Cuenca into the back of the net. Arsenal deserved the lead as they dominated the ball and Fulham couldnt create anything of not despite having decent spells.

The visitors had virtually no shots on goal in the first half except for a blocked Raul Jimenez half-shot. Arsenal’s strong defence held the fort excellently as they carried the goal advantage into halftime.

Fulham made a bright start to the second half as Jimene forced a save from Raya. William Saliba then had a free kick put on a platter for him to double the Gunners’ lead, but he failed to hit the target. As the clock passed the hour mark, Arsenal’s second goal became inevitable. Adama Traore, however, had a great chance to square for Raul Jimenez and draw the equaliser, but he failed to capitalise.

A huge cheer erupted from the crowd as Arteta decided to bring on Saka in the 66th minute. Fulham also used the window to make a triple substitution as they were chasing the game, and the deficit was only a single goal.

Saka celebrated his return to the action with a cushioned header to double Arsenal’s lead shortly after coming on. Martinelli had a huge role in the goal as he acrobatically flicked Merino’s cross towards the far post for Saka. The winger is fit and firing now before Arsenal faces Real Madrid in Europe.

Rodrigo Muniz then missed an absolute sitter with his head after Alex Iwobi found him with a cross in the 81st minute to breathe some life into the contest. Martinelli thought he got his deserved goal on the night when he rolled one past Leno, but he was well offside.

Muniz made no mistakes in the stoppage time as he swept a Ryan Sessegnon pass home. It turned out to be nothing more than a consolation as the Cottagers only had 120 seconds to find another goal.

The Gunners finally get the better of Fulham and move within 9 points of Liverpool. They continue the hot pursuit of Liverpool with a faint chance of uprooting them. Fulham, meanwhile, could slip to 10th if the other results don’t go their way as the race for European spots heats up.

The Gunners travel to Merseyside next for a league encounter against Everton. Fulham will host league leaders Liverpool this weekend. Here are Arsenal vs Fulham Player Ratings.

Arsenal Player Ratings

GK – David Raya – 6.5/10

He was not involved in the opening minutes at all, as Fulham posed a threat but couldn’t enter the box and test him. Made his first save in the second half.

RB – Jurrien Timber – 7/10

A fantastic tackle from behind to deny Fulham a clear break opportunity early on. He ventured forward quite regularly, too. Shrugged off an injury concern to continue playing.

CB – William Saliba – 7/10

A routine day at the office for him as he dealt with everything that was thrown at him. Should have scored with a free kick in the second half.

CB – Gabriel – 6/10

A fine interception to start the game, but unfortunately hurt his hamstring after just 15 minutes of play. He was forced to leave the field as Arteta didn’t want to take any further risks.

LB – Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6.5/10

He had the freedom to venture forward as Fulham’s right wing lacked a real wide threat.

CM – Martin Odegaard – 6.5/10

Gave the ball away cheaply a couple of times early on. He needed to be at his best to create chances for the hosts.

CM – Thomas Partey – 7/10

Had a glorious chance to put his side in front after a clearance came his way, but he couldn’t keep his composure. Was exceptional in anticipating dangers on transitions.

CM – Declan Rice – 6.5/10

A couple of good tackles to prevent Diop from pulling the trigger. Did took a lot of responsibility on the ball.

RW – Ethan Nwaneri – 7/10

He started the game on the right but drifted to the left as well. A good cutback to Merino earns him an assist.

ST – Mikel Merino – 7.5/10

Still learning the striker’s role despite his recent heroics. Made an impact with a superb finish to give them the lead.

LW – Gabriel Martinelli – 8/10

A very bright start to the game as he took on Castagne and delivered crosses for fun. His persistence led to the first goal, and an exquisite flick assisted Saka for his goal.

Sub – Jakub Kiwior – 7/10

Brought on very early to replace Gabriel. He knew his job would not be easy, as Raul Jimenez would target him with his physicality. He was beaten by Traore once, but it wasn’t costly.

Sub – Bukayo Saka – 7/10

A return to the pitch after a lengthy layoff, and it was a matter of getting his rhythm back. Got on the scoresheet with one of his first touches with an easy header.

Sub – Leandro Trossard – 6/10

Manager – Mikel Arteta – 8/10

Backed Nwaneri by giving additional rest to Saka, and it paid off as Nwaneri got him an assist. His side’s impregnable defence might have taken a hit as Gabriel limped off with an injury. Will be buoyed by Saka finding form right away before crucial games.

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Fulham Player Ratings

GK – Bernd Leno – 6/10

A good save to keep Nwaneri’s well-struck volley. Couldn’t do much about the two goals he conceded as he was well beaten.

RWB – Timothy Castagne – 6/10

He was threatened by Martinelli early on and needed a helping hand to keep his lane clean.

CB – Joachim Andersen – 6/10

Involved in breaking the lines and driving the ball forward whenever he had the chance.

CB – Issa Diop – 6/10

Made a lovely run into the Gunners’ box and was thwarted by Rice just when he was about to pull the trigger. Good box defending as he was alert to crosses.

CB -Jorge Cuenca – 5/10

Mikel Merino looked to peel off him, and he dealt with that danger well for the most part. Merino’s shot took an unfortunate deflection and flew into the net. Lost Saka for the second goal as well.

LWB – Antonee Robinson – 6.5/10

Provided the width on the left side, as he had a lot of freedom. Played short and a few tricky passes with his forwards.

RM – Adama Traore – 5.5/10

He assisted Jimenez by playing centrally at times and leading the press. Had a couple of instances where he could’ve made the difference.

CM – Sasa Lukic – 6/10

Boldly putting in some tackles and reading the dangers in his box before pumping the ball forward. Earned a yellow card for a rash tackle in the second half.

CM – Sander Berge – 6.5/10

A very calm presence on the ball. Tried to create some openings with it. He was very handy defensively as well.

LM – Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10

Up against his ex-side, he had a sloppy start to the game and took up central positions to hurt them. A disappointing return, it has to be said.

ST – Raul Jimenez – 6.5/10

Showed excellent centre-forward play by leading the line with good hold-up play and some great passing from the wings.

Sub – Andreas Pereira – 6/10

Sub – Willian – 6/10

Sub – Alex Iwobi – 6/10

Sub – Ryan Sessegnon- 6/10

A fine driving run and a cutback to assist Muniz late on in the game.

Sub – Rodrigo Muniz – 6/10

Missed a sitter with his head just minutes after coming on. That goal could’ve sparked life into the game. Did score a consolation in the stoppage time.

Manager – Marco Silva – 5/10

Abandoned his mid-block approach by deploying a low block. It did backfire, as Fulham conceded and didn’t create enough. Kept chasing the game, and it ended up badly for him. The decision to abandon a working approach will be questioned by many later on.

Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match: Gabriel Martinelli

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