3 positives & 2 negatives from Arsenal's win over Fulham

Arsenal marked their return to Premier League action with a win as they secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night.

The Gunners put plenty of pressure on the visitors from the off, and their breakthrough came shortly before half-time. Mikel Merino picked the ball up in the box and took a touch before firing a deflected effort past Bernd Leno.

Off the bench to make his long-awaited return from injury, Bukayo Saka doubled his side's advantage in the second half with a header at the back post. Rodrigo Muniz grabbed a stoppage-time consolation for the Cottagers.

It was the perfect way for Arsenal to mark their return to the pitch and amid an impressive performance, there were a number of positives and negatives to take.

Positive #1: A fast start

Arsenal may have had to wait until the 37th minute for the first goal, but they certainly made a fast start in their win over Fulham.

The Gunners looked to put the pressure on from kick-off and showcased high energy to keep their visitors pushed back for much of the first half. Much of the momentum flowed in their favour, particularly in the opening 15 minutes, and they managed to play 189 passes in Fulham's half.

This was the kind of start we've wanted to see from Arsenal. On too many occasions this season have the team come out and been slow as they look to creep into the game but last night was different. The players came out and knew they could and had to dominate from the off, and they did just that.

Negative #1: Gabriel's injury

As Arsenal fans have learnt this season, there can be no good without evil, and that was the case once again against Fulham. The evil being the injury curse that has plagued the team throughout most of the campaign.

Key defender Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off with an injury just 16 minutes into the game and had to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior. The Brazilian is said to have felt something wrong in his hamstring and could not continue the game.

This will come as a big worry to Mikel Arteta and Gooners considering just how important Gabriel has been this season. With huge games approaching, the club will be hoping the injury he picked up against Fulham will be nothing serious.

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