Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal smashed Fulham in the Premier League (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal delivered one of their finest displays of the season at the Emirates Stadium to establish a six-point advantage over Manchester City and heap pressure on their Premier League title rivals. Many will question where such a performance has been in recent weeks, but will be grateful for its arrival at such a crucial time in the season.
The Gunners took the lead through Viktor Gyokeres, who owes significant gratitude to Bukayo Saka, making his first start since recovering from injury, tapping home following an excellent cross. Saka then scored himself, as the Swede played him through inside the area to drill low beyond Bernd Leno.
Following a Riccardo Calafiori strike being chalked off for offside, Leandro Trossard, who had previously assisted the Italian, delivered another perfectly weighted lobbed pass, this time for Gyokeres, who nodded in. The substitutions at the interval and slightly into the second period brought a natural decline in quality, though there was also an element of game management about the Gunners’ approach.
Here is how we rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved…
David Raya – Had to remain sharp to dash out and reach the ball ahead of Raul Jimenez in his opponent’s half, the sliding challenge proving quite the spectacle for the supporters. 7
Ben White – Some impressive runs and passing sequences, though there remains just that standard the right-back isn’t quite attaining. 7
William Saliba – The Frenchman was commanding as ever, and there were some excellent surges into the middle third, which aided the team’s progression. Unfortunate with his delivery for Gabriel too. 8
Gabriel – Came agonisingly close to finding the net, teed up by his centre-back partner, with the ball almost bundled in at the far post. Solid and dependable at the back, as has become his trademark. 8
Riccardo Calafiori – Believed he had put the Gunners two ahead, only to be denied by an offside flag after Trossard’s delivery. Produced some wonderfully fluid forward runs throughout the match. Desperately unfortunate to rattle the crossbar as well. 8
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Declan Rice – Deployed in the deeper number six position, there’s a feeling this could signal the shape of things to come, as Arsenal’s midfield anchor. The orchestrating role, dictating play, affords greater licence to those around him. 8
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Making his first Premier League start in the middle of the park, he was an absolute pleasure to watch. The surging runs, intelligent movement and crisp one-touch passing, all underpinned by a drive to push the ball forward and propel his team up the field. 9
Eberechi Eze – Produced a sublime through ball to Gyokeres to carve open the second goal. Also found Gyokeres inside the area for a golden one-on-one opportunity, which was ultimately kept out. 8
Myles Lewis-Skelly dazzled in midfield. (Image: Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka – Announced his return to the starting eleven in emphatic fashion, leaving Jimenez in a heap before whipping in a pinpoint cross for Gyokeres. His corner deliveries, too, provided a genuine spark. His finish for Arsenal’s second, however, was precisely what had been absent all season from the winger; he looks every bit his brilliant best once more. Task complete, he was withdrawn at the break for a thoroughly deserved rest. 9
Viktor Gyokeres – Right place, right time, and the Swede continues his fine form from Wednesday night, tapping in Saka’s cross. His hold-up play has reached a different height this past week, and his setup for Saka’s goal was his best of the season. Had the chance to score his hat-trick after he was played in by Eze one-on-one, but Leno made a good stop. 9
Leandro Trossard – Real shame Calafiori was offside because the ball from the Belgian to find him for the disallowed goal was quite something. Great cross for the third, though, with Gyokeres heading home. 8
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
Noni Madueke – Showed some lively moments, and nearly created the one-on-one opportunity for Jesus, were it not for an offside flag, but it would be fair to say the level between him and Saka was on full show here. 6
Martin Zubimendi – Introduced to replace Rice so the Englishman could enjoy a well-deserved rest. Simply helped to see out the match from his position, without putting a foot wrong. 6
Gabriel Jesus – A thoroughly poor display in a fixture where the pressure had been lifted. Caught offside, losing the ball and lacking effort. 2
Max Dowman – Wonderful to see the youngster given another opportunity on the pitch, and hand Eze a breather. Produced an impressive driving run towards goal, but couldn’t find the target with his effort. 6
Cristhian Mosquera – Entered the fray late on for White. Produced a crucial goal-preventing interception in the box when outnumbered. 7
