Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham as Saka and Martinelli shine but Gabriel replacement worries

Arsenal managed to secure another important victory against a Fulham side who have been a thorn in their side of late. The story of the match nearly wrote itself before the game and it was fulfilled in the best way.

The game started in a nightmare fashion, not an opposition goal but something far more common this season, an injury. Gabriel Magalhaes appeared to pull up off the ball with a hamstring issue which could end his hopes of facing Real Madrid.

The mood was lifted thanks to yet another goal from Mikel Merino who squeezed a shot past Bernd Leno thanks to a deflection from Jorge Cuenca. That is five in eight in the role for the Spaniard now.

The story of the night though was all about the return of Bukayo Saka who came on to a total united Emirates Stadium standing to celebrate his entrance to the game. Then, in perfect fashion, the winger was in the right place at the right time to nod in a brilliant Gunners move to send the ground into raptures.

A late Rodrigo Muniz goal provided some late nerves in the match and proved just how important the goal from Saka would turn out to be in the grand scheme of the match.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

David Raya – Big save from Raul Jimenez early in the second half to deny a Fulham equaliser. 7

Jurrien Timber – A real scare after his teammate’s injury, Timber went down looking like he had a knee issue. However, he was able to continue and play the ball through to Ethan Nwaneri who set up the first goal. 8

William Saliba – A lot of pressure now on the Frenchman’s shoulders following the injury to his defensive partner. He had a chance to score a Gunners' second from a free kick but headed over the bar in an otherwise solid display. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes – Such bad luck for Gabriel who suffered a hamstring injury inside the first 20 minutes of the match making him a major doubt for the Real Madrid tie. He had to run on the injury for a while too, which will raise further concerns. n/a

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Fresh off his brilliance in an England shirt, Myles Lewis-Skelly picked up from where he left off and put in another strong display in his now natural left-back role. 7

Thomas Partey – Chance to score early was missed after firing a half volley awkwardly wide of the left post. He nearly had a nightmare moment heading backwards to Raya that Jimenez came close to reaching but otherwise was strong in midfield. 7

Declan Rice – Running all game, Rice has become the engine of this team, driving them forward and giving them the outlet to escape on the transition. Had a chance late on to score but volleyed over the bar. 7

Martin Odegaard – Ball striking has been in question for Odegaard but he connected well with an effort on the half volley which was sadly blocked before the break. Great delivery for Saliba’s header but missed the chance to score early in the second half by putting a Martinelli cut-back over the bar. 7

Ethan Nwaneri – Had a big chance in the first half after a cross from the left, volleying his effort straight at Bernd Leno. Found the pass inside, however, to Merino for the first goal, it was a great pick out by the winger. 8

Gabriel Martinelli – Great early run down the left to try and find a cut-back into the box, which was cut out, so often the Brazilian is scrutinised one-on-one but he did well there. He had a very bright game and produced several other dangerous runs down the left flank trying to create for his teammates. All the effort was rewarded with a gorgeous flick to set up Saka. 8

Mikel Merino – On the scoresheet again after a fortunate shot took a deflection off Jorge Cuenca. He was then involved in the second goal, finding the cross to Martinelli in the build-up. 8

Substitutes:

Jakub Kiwior – Coming on to replace the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior had his audition to replace the Brazilian. A good recovering challenge on the rapid Adama Traore helped ease fears right until in a similar tussle in the second half a mistake gave the Spaniard a chance at goal. 6

Bukayo Saka – Well, who would have doubted a goal on his return? An amazing passing move by Arsenal finished off with a first-time header from their superstar. 8

Leandro Trossard – Coming on at centre-forward as injuries forced a reshuffle in the team – Partey moving to right-back and Mikel Merino returning to midfield. He had very little influence on proceedings having come on late. n/a