Bukayo Saka made a dream return to the pitch as he scored Arsenal’s second goal in a 2-1 win over Fulham, following three months out with a hamstring injury.
Saka was introduced in the 66th minute, by which time the Gunners lead through Mikel Merino’s deflected first-half strike.
It was Saka who doubled the lead and made sure it was a memorable night for Arsenal, heading home from close range, before Rodrigo Muniz scored a late consolation for Fulham.
But Mikel Arteta will await details of the injury suffered by key centre-back Gabriel in the first half, which forced the Brazilian off.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at the Emirates to rate the Arsenal players’ performances…
David Raya 6
Got down well to push Raul Jimenez’s powerful effort clear in the second half.
Jurrien Timber 8
Was excellent. Involved in attacks, forcing a save after a lovely one-two with Martin Odegaard, but also robust at the back. Seemed to go off injured.
Gabriel N/A
A great shame for the Brazilian, who injured himself during a tackle in the 14th minute and had to come off. Arsenal will pray it’s not serious.
William Saliba 6
Headed just over the bar from a second-half free-kick. Couldn’t block Muniz’s goal in injury time.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6
It’s been a whirlwind week and a half for the England debut scorer. Quieter here, and Muniz’s goal came when Lewis-Skelly was out of position.
Declan Rice 6
Went about his business quietly and confidently. Invariably offered himself for the ball and helped turn over the ball for the second goal. Booked for lugging Issa Diop back.
Thomas Partey 7
Made one superb crunching tackle as Fulham were seeking to break away. A good display from the Ghanaian.
Martin Odegaard 6
Should have done better from a Gabriel Martinelli cut-back, blazing over from nine yards out. Tried to create but it didn’t quite happen for him.
Ethan Nwaneri 8
Outstanding again. Assisted Merino’s goal and almost scored himself. Fulham couldn’t contain him.
Mikel Merino 8
Held the ball up well and was on hand to score the all-important goal for the Gunners, before crossing for Saka’s goal.
Gabriel Martinelli 8
Showed his skill by jinking past opponents, and crossed for team-mates from the left wing, assisting Saka with a deft flick.
Subs:
Jakub Kiwior (Gabriel, 16’) 6
Did well at centre-back when he came on, though Fulham scored in stoppage time.
Bukayo Saka (Nwaneri, 66’) 8
The perfect return. Scored just seven minutes after coming on. Arsenal’s talisman is well and truly back.
Leandro Trossard (Timber, 77’) N/A
Not used: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Sterling, Gower
