Gabriel Magalhaes redeemed himself to secure three points as Arsenal left it late against a resilient Fulham side at the Emirates.
Arsenal finished the matchday on top of the Premier League table after securing their fourth win of the season in as many games. After three comfortable victories, Fulham tested the Gunners considerably, putting in a resilient performance.
Arsenal were not visibly at their fluid best in the first half, despite holding the lion’s share of the possession. They could only find one shot on target during this period, although defensively, they barely allowed Fulham a sniff in their final third.
The second half was more entertaining, with the Gunners starting the period on the front foot. While the Gunners were generous at snipping the ball straight at former star Bernd Leno at times, it was Fulham who got the slice of luck.
Gabriel Magalhaes made a horrendous error, allowing Aleksandar Mitrovic to steal the ball from his feet and score past Aaron Ramsdale. The pressure was instantly on Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s record in chasing games being highlighted repeatedly.
◉ 517 vs. Bournemouth
◉ 504 vs. FulhamArsenal have completed 500+ passes in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time under Mikel Arteta. pic.twitter.com/vy83YF6yNt
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 27, 2022
As Arsenal built pressure in the Fulham half, they were soon rewarded as Bukayo Saka set up Martin Odegaard, who scored past Leno, albeit the shot took a deflection off a Fulham player. The game was back on, and Arsenal searched for a probable winner.
And the winner arrived in the form of redemption for Gabriel. The centre-back was fortunate enough for Leno to miss the catch, as the ball hit William Saliba and fell gracefully for the Brazilian to smash home from close range.
This victory will undoubtedly mark a different style under Arteta, who led his team to victory from a goal down. In the end, the Gunners find themselves top of the league and will now look forward to the Aston Villa clash ahead. Here’s how the Arsenal players fared during their narrow win over Fulham at the Emirates.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale – 8/10
A sensational performance from Ramsdale excelled with his regular tasks but made two stunning saves in the second half. The first was a close-range bullet header from Mitrovic, while the second was a shot from close range as Arsenal had only gained the lead in the game. He deserves massive credit for this display today.
Ben White – 7/10
Ben White continues to grow in that role at right-back, as the England international put in another solid performance. On current form, he looks defensively solid and is increasing his output in the final third, meaning he can become Arsenal’s first-choice right-back this season.
William Saliba's game by numbers vs. Fulham:
95% pass accuracy
102 touches
91 passes completed
9 accurate long balls
6x possession won
3 duels won
1 tackle
1 chance created
1 assistA goal and an assist in his last two games. ? pic.twitter.com/6XFgJMWOvb
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 27, 2022
William Saliba: 7/10
Saliba put in another solid performance in central defence. While the goal was not his fault by any means, he did conjure up an assist for Gabriel’s winner. The Frenchman seems to be growing and maturing in his role as Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 6.5/10
While his goal might have helped Arsenal secure three points, the small mistakes in an otherwise decent game harm the team’s chances. Gabriel’s mistake ensured Fulham took the lead, and the error was needless, to begin with.
Gabriel went from zero to hero ? pic.twitter.com/zLbV6P5sg9
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 27, 2022
Kieran Tierney: 6/10
Tierney did look somewhat out of place in this Arsenal side. He did replace Oleksandr Zinchenko in the lineup, but he did not manage to contribute as much as the Ukrainian. Maybe he is trying to learn the ropes of a different role on this side, and this could be his adaptation period.
Mohamed Elneny: 6/10
A late inclusion in Arteta’s plans after Thomas Partey was ruled out. Elneny, as usual, was a solid entity in midfield. The Gunners did miss the Ghanaian’s presence on the pitch, but the Egyptian did not put a foot wrong, although he wasn’t very adventurous.
Granit Xhaka: 6/10
Xhaka wasn’t his fluid self from the last three games but yet was an effective outlet. Missed a glorious chance to put Arsenal ahead but miscued his shot wide.
Martin Odegaard – 9/10
Odegaard was terrific in the attack and put in another tremendous performance to cap off a captain’s display. The Norwegian kept pushing the boat to find a solution after Arsenal went behind. He got the goal and set the quest for a winner in motion.
Martin Ødegaard's game by numbers vs. Fulham:
100% cross accuracy
100% take-on success
91 touches
11 final third entries
10x possession won
8 duels won
5 take-ons
3 tackles
3 shots
2 chances created
2 shots on target
1 goalHe's had a fantastic start to the season. ? pic.twitter.com/NUsUF3iHLz
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 27, 2022
Bukayo Saka: 7/10
Saka was a constant outlet and had a good battle on the wing with Antonee Robinson. The Arsenal star produced the moment to set up Odegaard for the equaliser. He is yet to find himself on the scoresheet but seems to be slowly getting there from the looks of it.
Gabriel Jesus: 6.5/10
Jesus wasn’t at his influential best today but was still a good outlet for leading the line. Eddie Nketiah had more chances since coming on, but the Brazilian was always a threat for the Fulham defence.
Gabriel Martinelli: 6/10
Martinelli lacked something today as his final balls and ball striking lacked the impetus. Yet the Brazilian provided the corner for Arsenal’s winner and will find himself in the happier camp.
SUBSTITUTES
Eddie Nketiah: 7/10
The Arsenal forward changed the dimension of the attack. Nketiah was at the end of some brilliant chances but failed to finish those off. His presence does provide Arteta with a solid option up front and will prove valuable as the season progresses.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: N/A
Tomiyasu was sent late in the game to shore up the defence and did a decent job at it.
Rob Holding: N/A
Holding came on with barely any minutes left on the clock.
