Odegaard stars as Arsenal continue their perfect start to the Premier League season. Player Ratings vs Fulham.

 

Arsenal continued their 100% perfect start to the Premier League season with a superb fighting comeback win against fellow Londoners Fulham. 

Arsenal were giving a massive blow before kick off had even started when it came the front that Zinchenko and Partey were to miss the game due to injuries so in came Tierney and Elneny respectively. 

From kick off Arsenal dominated Fulham however couldn't find the opening goal with the visitors putting in a stern defensive performance. Despite chances from Saka, Jesus and Xhaka the gunners couldn't find a way past former Arsenal man Bernd Leno who put in a great performance on his return to the Emirates. 

Arsenal were punished for not taking their chances when Gabriel made a huge defensive blunder and let Aleksandar Mitrovic take the ball off him to net his 100th Fulham goal. They weren't behind for long when Martin Odegaard, who had been head and shoulders the best player on the pitch equalised thanks to a deflected shot. After heavy pressure they found a way through thanks to Gabriel who netted the winner to make up for his earlier mistake. 

It was easily Arsenal's most impressive win so far this season not so much because of the performance but because of the fight back ability. Fighting back from a goal down to win, something they only did once last season. The win keeps Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with them being the only side in the League to win all 4 games this season. 


Player Ratings

Aaron Ramsdale 8

Could of grabbed a chair in the first half but was called into a lot more action in the second. Made a great save to deny Mitrovic at 1-1 from a corner and an even better one to deny Chalobah late on from a free kick. 

Ben White 8

Another game and another brilliant Ben White performance at right back. The Englishman looks so settled in that position and the biggest compliant you could give him is that he's keeping Tomiyasu out of the side. His forward runs look more impressive every week. 

William Saliba 8

The Frenchman continued his fine form with another impressive defensive display. Always so composed on the ball and Mitrovic's physicality never gave him any issues. His chant is also stuck in my head once again for another week running. 



Gabriel 6

A real villain to hero story by Gabriel this afternoon. While his howler alone would of put near a 4 or 5 rating his late winner makes up for it but certainly not the first time he's looked like making a mistake from playing out from the back. Just something to be wary about. 



Kieran Tierney 6

Had a solid enough game on his long awaited return from injury, doesn't offer what Zinchenko offers which is almost exactly what Arsenal needed today, however didn't play bad at all. Defiantly think he'll play in the games where we have less of the ball and today was quite the opposite of that. 

Mohamed Elneny 6

Did his job in covering in for Partey, wasn't really that involved throughout the game. Doesn't have the same passing ability as the Ghanaian. 

Granit Xhaka 7

Granit continues to perform week in and week out. Was unlucky not to score in the first half, seems to be really enjoying the new attacking freedom he's been given. 

Martin Odegaard 9

Head and shoulders above the rest today. When he's in his flow and playing like that he's such a joy to watch. A real captains performance from the skipper this afternoon. 



Bukayo Saka 6

Similar to last season is just taking a bit longer to get going. Had a good first half was unlucky not to score, was moved to left back once Fulham scored to allow Eddie Nketiah to play further forward.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Martinelli enjoyed an excellent start to the season however today was his poorest game. He didn't play bad but wasn't as blistering as the last 3 weeks. His final ball and corner delivery were missing. 

Gabriel Jesus 7 

As always constant work throughout just couldn't find that golden chance. Had one huge chance when he should of buried it past Leno but couldn't get the power on it.  

(Subs)

Eddie Nketiah 7

Was outstanding off the bench, looked so sharp and lively. Easily could of scored but looks like a new signing, he's clearly been working hard off the pitch. 






It's been smooth sailing for Arsenal this season so far and today was the first time things went wrong and they stepped up and answered the question superbly. Massive two games coming up next week against Villa and United which should be a real test. Onwards and upwards!


 

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