ARSENAL stormed six points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a dominant 3-0 home victory over Fulham.
The Gunners flexed their attacking muscles for the first time in months as Mikel Arteta‘s men sent a message to title rivals Manchester City.
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Arsenal went six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a dominant win over Fulham Credit: Reuters
A Viktor Gyokeres double and goal from Bukayo Saka proved the difference for Arsenal, who were spurred on by a noisy Emirates crowd.
Saka’s return to the starting lineup made an obvious difference in Arsenal’s attacking threat, while they were also solid as ever at the back.
Here’s how JattvibeSport Arsenal Reporter Joshua Hall rated each individual performance…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Didn’t have to make a save until the 72nd minute, but kept it out when it did come.
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A nice moment when he charged forward to deny Raul Jimenez a clear run through on goal.
BEN WHITE – 6
A surprise to see White starting, particularly at the same time as Riccardo Calafiori.
There were some bright moments of linkup with Saka down the right side, but things were a little less impressive in defence.
White struggled with the Fulham wingers at times and was often slow to release the ball under pressure – much to the Emirates crowd’s frustration.
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Ben White looked good going forward, but was caught out defensively at times Credit: AP
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Another top performance from Saliba, who rarely puts a foot wrong at the centre of the Arsenal defence.
This showing also saw him making storming runs with the ball at his feet, being a nuisance from set pieces and even looping dangerous crosses into the box.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
So physical and dominant in his duels, Gabriel was Arsenal’s enforcer umphteenth time this season.
Although Arsenal were largely dominating in the Fulham half, Gabriel was always on hand to stunt any kind of attack from the Cottagers.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A first start for the Italian since mid-March,
Did brilliantly well to nod home a Leandro Trossard cross in the first-half, but was correctly deemed offside.
Came so close to finding the back of the net again when his header clattered the cross bar late in the game.
His galloping forward runs add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack alongside his defensive contributions.
Riccardo Calafiori was a welcome return for Arsenal Credit: Getty
DECLAN RICE – 7
Operating in the same deep role he did during Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, and thriving once again.
This performance also saw him take up some of the spaces Martin Odegaard normally occupies on the right side, combining with White and Saka.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8
Playing his first ever start in midfield for the first-team, and doing so in such a crucial moment of the season.
The teenager stepped into the roll brilliantly, too.
He was always looking to progress the ball up the pitch, and was breaking up play and picking up loose passes all over the place.
Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed on his first outing in midfield Credit: Getty
EBERECHI EZE – 7
Back in a central position after playing the last few games off the left flank.
He is always a threat on the edge of the box and his close control causing problems for opposition defenders.
A few better decisions in the final third and he could have had a goal or assist to show for his performance.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
Another unexpected starter, but another great performance.
Trossard was twisting, turning and causing havoc every time he got the ball.
His assist for Gyokeres’ second goal was superb, and he thought he had set the striker up for a third at the start of the second half.
BUKAYO SAKA – 9
A welcome return for Saka, who made his first start since the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March.
Quite literally sat Jimenez down to set up Viktor Gyokeres for the opener.
His finish for Arsenal’s second was sublime, and the Emirates crowd was clearly delighted to see him back in action.
Saka’s return could be exactly what Arsenal need to push them over the line for the run-in.
Bukayo Saka’s brilliant skill had Raul Jimenez falling to the floor Credit: AP
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 9
Wednesday night’s performance against Atletico Madrid was one of Gyokeres’ best in an Arsenal shirt – this might have been even better.
His opener was exactly what Arsenal signed him to do, get into the box at the right time to put away chances that have gone begging in years gone by.
The Swede then did really well to hold up play and set up Saka for Arsenal’s second, genuinely brilliant centre-forward play.
Gyokeres flexed his aerial ability, too – nodding home a looping second with ease to put Arsenal 3-0 up at the break.
His double takes his tally to 21 for the season in all competitions.
Viktor Gyokeres was in the right place at the right time to poke home Arsenal’s opener Credit: Getty
SUBSTITUTES
NONI MADUEKE (for Saka, 45mins) – 6
Not as effective or decisive as Saka, but a solid showing in the 45 minutes he had on the pitch.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI (for Rice, 63mins) – 6
Brought on to sure things up and allow Declan Rice some much needed rest.
GABRIEL JESUS (for Gyokers, 63mins) – 6
Had a great chance to score whe played through by Trossard, but fluffed it.
Thankfully, the offside flag spared his blushes.
MAX DOWMAN (for Eze, 77mins) – 6
Always so exciting when he gets on the ball, but not enough time for him to make a difference this time.
Max Dowman got a run out in the second half Credit: Reuters
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA (for White, 83mins) – N/A
Great interception at the end of the game to deny Fulham a shot inside the area.
