3 standout players from emphatic win over Fulham

Arsenal romped their way to an easy derby day win against Fulham.

The Cottagers have done well this season. Despite having a downturn in form in the past couple of weeks, they still sit eighth and playing away from home is always an additional challenge. Arsenal handled them with ease, scoring three goals in the first half before holding them at arms’ length for the second.

Nearly every player on the pitch performed incredibly well, each playing their part to perfection. The defence kept a clean sheet, the midfield was both solid and fluid as needed and the attack was firing on all cylinders.

3 standout players from emphatic win over Fulham

Three players, however, stood out in the derby day win over Fulham.

1. William Saliba

Faced with a far different task than the one he encountered against Sporting, William Saliba handled it just as well, if not better. His primary battle was against Aleksandar Mitrovic, a physical forward that serves as the focal point of Fulham’s attack. If Mitrovic could be shut down, the entire opposition attack would falter. And shut down he was.

Saliba had an outstanding game. He handled Mitrovic with a level of maturity we have grown accustomed to seeing. Saliba tracked him into midfield, fouling far away from goal when necessary. He also battled him well, using his own physicality to great effect before nicking the ball away. When the Serbian did get a chance to turn, Saliba threw his body in front of the ball, making several crucial blocks.

Offensively, the defender showed remarkable ability on the ball. Although they pressed intensely at times, Saliba was never unnerved. Nowhere can this be seen better than in the build-up for the second goal. After taking a poor touch close to goal, with several Fulham players collapsing on him, the Frenchman calmly plays a brilliant long ball with his left foot to break the press. A few passes later and the ball is in the back of the net.

While Saliba has had issues with consistency (understandable given his age), he has improved in recent games. His good form is also good for the team. Long may it continue.

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