Arsenal secured a crushing victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday in what was arguably their best performance yet under Unai Emery.
Arsenal recorded their ninth consecutive win in all competitions and their sixth in the Premier League after handing a 5-1 thrashing to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. This game could be regarded as Arsenal’s best to date under Unai Emery’s management as the visitors scored five past a hapless Fulham.
Arsenal found their rhythm in a way that resonated with the old fluid attacking style they were so known to display for several years. This game was a perfect way to head into the international break, although Arsenal were made to work hard in the first half, but burst into life in the second.
Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring, but a mistake from Nacho Monreal gifted the ball to Fulham in midfield, as they went on to score the equaliser right before the end of the first period. Arsenal responded with four goals in the second period, with Alexandre Lacazette adding a second, Aaron Ramsey a third, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, coming off the bench to score a brace.
Let’s see how the Arsenal stars fared in their emphatic win over Fulham.
Bernd Leno – 7.5
A fabulous performance from Leno in goal. He resembles the modern goalkeeper, with good control over the ball. Made some excellent saves, especially one where the shot had deflected off Granit Xhaka. In the end, he was left alone and exposed for the Fulham goal, and cannot be blamed for it.
Hector Bellerin – 5.5
The higher rating is only for the assist and his involvement in the attack for his side. Defensively he was poor. In, fact right in the second minute, his mistake could have led to a Fulham goal. Bellerin needs to improve at the back, as first and foremost he is a defender by trade.
Shkodran Mustafi – 8
A top outing for Mustafi, his best so far this season. Showed a different, no-nonsense side of his game, and completely negated Aleksandar Mitrovic in the game. He needs to put in such performances each week to help Arsenal achieve their targets defensively.
Rob Holding – 7.5
A tidy performance from Holing. Sokratis was expected to start the game, but Emery decided to give the Greek a rest. Holding controlled the defence well, although Luciano Vietto surpassed him for that pass that Andre Schurrle scored from.
Nacho Monreal – 7
Another largely solid game for Monreal. Assisted Lacazette for the first goal. Ten minutes later, he gifted the Fulham the equaliser. Other than that moment though, he was solid in the second half and was a threat on the left side for Arsenal.
Lucas Torreira – 8.5
Torreira’s best game to date, outlining his role to perfection. The Uruguayan made a game-high six interceptions and numerous tackles to sniff out many potential Fulham attacks. Controlled the midfield like a true general, and although we had seen before what he was capable of, now we know his true value.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5
Captain of the side for the evening, Xhaka had a good game as Arsenal had good control of the midfield. The Swiss was the engine of the team, and made his presence felt on both sides of the pitch to good use. Good game as the side’s leader.
Alex Iwobi – 8
Continued his electric form and it’s very much clear he is a different player from what we’ve known of him till now. Iwobi gives Arsenal a different attacking option altogether. Against Fulham, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s first goal, and ran the opposition defenders ragged with his trickery. Iwobi looks ready to be an important player for Arsenal, not just this season but for a long time to come.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
On the face of the game, Mkhitaryan did not impose himself as much as he’d have perhaps wanted to. But, he was there to play a part in every attacking move Arsenal created. Overall, the Armenian had a decent game, and provides a good option for Arsenal’s attack.
Danny Welbeck – 7.5
An unfamiliar role for Welbeck in the no. 10 role, although he was more of a false no. 9. Did produce a solid performance in the supporting role, giving Lacazette more freedom up front. With his performances, Welbeck is putting more pressure on Emery to select him in the starting lineup than ever before.
Alexandre Lacazette – 9
Man of the match. Lacazette scored two really well-taken goals, both crucial from the game’s perspective and its timings. He has finally made the No. 9 position his own, and no one could take it away from him if he keeps performing like this.
Substitutes –
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8.5
A brilliant performance from Aubameyang. Came on for Danny Welbeck and immediately made his mark in the game. We think this is what Emery was looking for playing Welbeck in the role that he did. Aubameyang finished the game with two goals and an assist – what more can anyone ask from a substitute? Fantastic performance from the Gabonese.
Aaron Ramsey – 8
Like Aubameyang, Ramsey too, came on as a substitute and changed the game alongside the Gabonese. Got a goal and assist to his name to finish the game, and the backheel goal could be a goal of the season contender.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6
Was sent to have better control of the midfield, and he did exactly what was asked of him.
