Arsenal Player Ratings vs Fulham: 9/10 for debutants Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal kicked off the 2020/21 Premier League campaign in style, beating newly-promoted Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

The newly-promoted Fulham showed some spark early on, but it was Arsenal that opened the scoring, as Alexandre Lacazette poked from point-blank range just eight minutes into the game. The Gunners pretty much controlled the proceedings from then on, but were unable to add to their tally before half-time arrived.

Just four minutes into the second period, Arsenal doubled their lead as new boy Gabriel Magalhaes headed home a Willian corner kick. The latter was involved again soon after, as he picked out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a sumptuous cross-field pass and the Gunners’ skipper buried home with a fantastic finish to make it 3-0.

It was an excellent start to the season for Mikel Arteta & co. sending out an early statement of intent. And here is how we rated the performances of the Arsenal stars at Craven Cottage.

Bernd Leno: 6/10

Early misunderstanding with Gabriel caused a bit of a panic, but did well to recover and deny a goalscoring opportunity to the hosts. A largely calming presence at the back, Leno wasn’t tested too much by Fulham apart from a couple of routine stops from speculative efforts.

Rob Holding: 7/10

From being potentially loaned out to starting the game as the right-sided centre-back, it has been an eventful week for Rob Holding. Nevertheless, on the pitch, the Englishman was an assured presence at the back, winning duels on the ground and in the air. His passing could have been a bit crisper, however.

Made a brilliant run into the opposition box early in the second period, leading to the corner from which his defensive partner scored. Overall, a good day in the office for Holding.

Gabriel Magalhaes: 9/10

Things could have gone very wrong on debut for Gabriel after a slight miscommunication with Leno early in the game. Recovered from that jittery moment, though, and was an absolute rock at the back. Strong in the air, solid on the ground, he was also unafraid to play the difficult passes from the back to get his team on the front foot. Capped off his display with a fine headed goal.

Kieran Tierney: 6.5/10

Starting as the left-sided centre-back, the Scotsman had a few iffy moments against the likes of Neeskens Kebano and Denis Odoi, but coped well for most part. Was key to Arsenal playing out from the back when in possession with his passing. Capable of much better, though.

Hector Bellerin: 7/10

The Spaniard, who has been linked with a return to boyhood club Barcelona, was an energetic presence on the right-side for Arsenal. Helped out Holding during the defensive phase, while combining well with Willian when in possession. Created a fine chance for his captain, who couldn’t apply the finishing touches. Good start after an injury-riddled last season.

Mohamed Elneny: 6.5/10

Starting ahead of Dani Ceballos in the middle of the park, it was Elneny’s first Premier League game in well over a year. But, the Egyptian looked at home in the Gunners’ midfield, as he worked hard when not in possession and kept things ticking with sharp, quick passes when on the ball. Did leave spaces in behind in the first period, but recovered well.

Granit Xhaka: 6.5/10

Much like his midfield partner, Granit Xhaka was precise and sharp with his passing when on the ball, while being strong in the tackle when the opponents were in possession. Like Elneny, he too left spaces behind in the early phases of the game, but Fulham failed to make the most of it. A largely solid performance.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 6.5/10

Coming into the game high on confidence after making his England debut, Maitland-Niles continued to impress as the left-sided wing-back. Got into central positions when his side were in possession and fashioned a fine chance for Lacazette on one occasion. Delivered a teasing cross from the left-side, but nobody could get on the end of it.

Willian: 9/10

A fine debut for the Brazilian in Arsenal colours. Had a hand in the opening goal, and came close to scoring himself, with the woodwork denying his free-kick. Brilliant corner for Gabriel’s goal, which was followed by an even finer pass to set Aubameyang up for the third.

Willian also impressed with his off-the-ball work rate, while his movement was razor sharp. Arsenal fans will soon forget he played for their local rivals if he continues to perform this way.

Alexandre Lacazette: 7/10

Got Arsenal off the mark early in the game, making no mistake when the ball dropped at his feet after a goal-mouth melee. His ability to bring his teammates into play was an asset for Arsenal, while he worked his socks off defensively as well. A good start for the Frenchman, even though his future at the club remains uncertain.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7.5/10

The Gunners’ skipper did not have a lot of opportunities on the day, especially during the first period, but the manner in which he worked with Maitland-Niles on the left-side was very impressive. Pounced when his chance came in the second period, scoring with a finish reminiscent of a certain Thierry Henry. Could have added another goal, but failed to convert after being set up by Bellerin.

Substitutes

Nicolas Pepe: N/A

Replaced Willian for the final fifteen minutes. Made a couple of bright runs.

Dani Ceballos: N/A

Came on for Xhaka in the 78th minute. A nutmeg on a Fulham player was the standout moment of his cameo.

Eddie Nketiah: N/A

Came on to replace Lacazette with less than five minutes left.