Player ratings as Gunners’ slump continues

Arsenal succumbed yet again in the Premier League and slipped down to fourth in the table after they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

After toiling for 90 minutes without reward on Thursday night, the Gunners took the lead after just five minutes – their second quickest goal of the campaign – through Bukayo Saka, who tapped into an empty net after Bernd Leno denied Gabriel Martinelli.

The visitors then proceeded to produce a beleaguered first-half display with Fulham in the ascendancy. Arsenal’s press was bereft of intensity, and Fulham’s slick possession play allowed them to take control of the contest. There were a few warning signs before Raul Jimenez equalised midway through the opening period.

A territorial shift ensued in the second half, but Fulham were content with holding Arsenal at arm’s length and springing in transition. The Cottagers continued to boast the greater threat, but their second goal was woeful from the Gunners’ perspective as they failed to clear a corner which allowed Bobby De Cordova Reid to poke home.

Mikel Arteta drastically changed tack after his side fell behind, switching to a 3-5-2 as he did in midweek. However, after Saka missed a brilliant chance to score his second and restore parity, Arsenal did little else to threaten Leno’s goal.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 2-1 defeat at Fulham.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) – 7/10 – This was a very positive Raya performance. Could do little to prevent Fulham’s goals. Proactive off his line and thought his distribution was excellent. Made a great save to deny Tom Cairney.

Ben White (RB) – 5/10 – Fulham overloaded his flank in the first half and White, who often wasn’t aided by Saka, struggled to contain Willian and Antonee Robinson. Rarely ventured forward.

William Saliba (CB) – 4/10 –Jimenez was excellent against the Gunners backline, and his cunning occasionally caught Saliba out. Like many of his teammates, Saliba was off the boil somewhat – typified by his booking sequence.

Gabriel (CB) – 5/10 – The Brazilian certainly didn’t command the Arsenal box as we know he can. This was a pretty sloppy showing from Gabriel.

Jakub Kiwior (LB) – 4/10 – Came into the side as a result of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s calf injury, but there were far too many loose actions during his 45-minute display.

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