Arsenal 2-2 Fulham: Player ratings as Gunners drop points

A topsy-turvy encounter at the Emirates ended 2-2 as ten-man Fulham equalised late on to secure a point against Arsenal.

Supporters had barely taken to their seats when the visitors were gifted a very early opener. A rare Bukayo Saka error, on his record 83rd consecutive Premier League appearance, allowed Andreas Pereira to break free and the midfielder caught Aaron Ramsdale out from distance by taking his shot early.

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Pereira’s strike stunned the hosts, who took a while to get a hold of the contest, and they struggled to create much of any substance in the first half.

A systematic switch just before the hour altered the game in Arsenal’s favour, with a much-improved Gunners striking twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head. Saka scored from the spot after substitute Fabio Vieira was brought down, then Eddie Nketiah tapped home from close range.

It looked as if the hosts would cruise to three points after Calvin Bassey received his second yellow card with ten minutes remaining, but Fulham pulled a rabbit out of the hat and equalised from absolutely nothing. Joao Palhinha smartly converted from a corner.

Nine minutes of stoppage time handed the Gunners hope of scoring a late winner, but it was Adama Traore who spurned the best chance as he was denied by Ramsdale after a swift counter. Arsenal failed to test Leno at the other end as the spoils were shared in north London.

Arsenal 2-2 Fulham player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from the Emirates.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 5/10 – Really poor for the first goal, but could do little to prevent Palhinha from equalising late on. Big save at the end.

Thomas Partey (RB) – 5/10 – Partey didn’t have much success in his inverted role. Cumbersome in possession and his channel was exploited several times in the opening period. Not sure this is the way to go.

Ben White (CB) – 6.5/10 – Really enjoyed his performance at right-back. Offers so much down the flank with his overlaps.

William Saliba (CB) – 6.5/10 – A couple of sloppy moments with the ball early on in what wasn’t Saliba’s cleanest outing. Recovery defending was brilliant, however.

Jakub Kiwior (LB) – 6/10 – Appreciated his ambition with the ball, and it’s obvious that he backs himself to pull off any pass. Execution wasn’t always there, though, but a solid outing nonetheless.

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Midfielders

Declan Rice (DM) – 7.5/10 – Probably the best player in the first half as he added some much-needed impetus to Arsenal’s possession play. Impacted the contest in every phase.

Kai Havertz (CM) – 4/10 – Worked hard without possession, but once again looked lost when his side had the ball. Hooked before the hour.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 6/10 – A frustrating afternoon for the skipper, who was wasteful in the final third. Purred after Arsenal took the lead.

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Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – A rollercoaster game for Saka, who was responsible for Arsenal’s early deficit but then played a big role in overturning the deficit.

Leandro Trossard (ST) – 4/10 – After notching three first-half assists last time out against Fulham, Trossard was this time hooked at the interval following an opening period in which he hindered more than helped.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 6/10 – A regular outlet in the first half, but Martinelli couldn’t quite piece it together in the final third. Quietened down after the restart.

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah – 8/10

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7.5/10

Fabio Vieira – 8/10 – Has he arrived?

Jorginho – 6/10

Gabriel Jesus – N/A