Arsenal 3-0 Fulham: Player ratings as Gunners dismantle London rivals to go six points clear

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points as they secured a dominant 3-0 win over London rivals Fulham.

Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in midweek as Myles Lewis-Skelly came into the midfield while Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard were all brought into the starting lineup.

The Gunners made a perfect start as they took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes through Viktor Gyökeres. Saka did brilliantly to get past his marker and break into the box to send a low cross in for the Swede to tap in from close range.

The hosts thought they had found a second near the half hour mark when Trossard crossed in for Calafiori to head past Bernd Leno for his first goal at the Emirates, but it was ruled out as the Italian was deemed to have strayed offside.

Arteta's side did double their advantage before the break though when Gyökeres and Saka linked up for the latter to receive the ball and cut inside before beating Leno with a low strike at the near post.

Gyökeres then grabbed his second and his side's third when he ended a quick counterattacking move with a header on the stroke of half-time. Trossard worked his way into the box to lift a cross in for the Swede to meet and score.

The momentum slowed after the break as Gyökeres went close to sealing his first hat-trick as an Arsenal player, but saw his low effort saved by Leno.

Fulham found their feet and had a few half chances come their way, including a volleyed strike by Timothy Castagne, but David Raya did well to save.

An uneventful second half ended goalless as Arsenal's 3-0 win saw them go six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, albeit with two extra games played.

Here are the Gunners' player ratings from their dominant victory over Fulham.

Arsenal 3-0 Fulham player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - Wasn't troubled too much, but did make a save to deny Castagne in the second half. Steady between the sticks.

Ben White (RB) - 7/10 - Linked up well with Saka as his side's constant attacks gave him the freedom to play an advanced role. Good defensively and was taken off in the late stages.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Didn't have much to do in defence with his side's dominance, but did what he had to do well.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7/10 - Like his partner, didn't have much to do but did well when he needed to be called into action.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7.5/10 - Thought he grabbed the second with a well taken header, but it was ruled out for offside. Denied again when his header from a corner was unknowingly saved by the head of Leno late on. Brilliant down the left side throughout.

Midfielders

Declan Rice (CM) - 7.5/10 - Steady shift in the midfield and helped control things along with Lewis-Skelly. Caused problems with his set piece deliveries. Offered some respite as he was taken off just after the hour mark.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (CM) - 8/10 - Looked to bring plenty of energy to his side from midfield. Really positive with his passing and advancing moves. So calm on the ball all game as he put in a very good audition for a different role.

Eberechi Eze (AM) - 7.5/10 - Played a good pass through for Gyökeres to run onto and hold up before setting up Saka. Had some nice touches and helped the play flow in the first half. Withdrawn midway through the second half.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 8/10 - Beat his marker to get into the box and cross in for Gyökeres to score. Caused plenty of problems down the right side and looked back to his best. Taken off at half-time, likely to protect fitness.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 8/10 - Opened the scoring with a poacher's finish from close range. Denied a second by a good Leno save, but did set up Saka shortly after. Made it a brace when he headed in on the stroke of half-time. Almost got the hat-trick, but was denied before being withdrawn.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 7.5/10 - Sent a good cross in for Calafiori to head in the second, but it was disallowed. Did get his assist when he set up Gyökeres for the third. Worked well defensively when tracking back.

Substitutes

• Noni Madueke (on 46' for Saka) - 6.5/10
• Gabriel Jesus (on 64' for Gyökeres) - 6/10
• Martín Zubimendi (on 64' for Rice) - 6.5/10
• Max Dowman (on 77' for Eze) - 6.5/10
• Cristhian Mosquera (on 83' for White) - N/A

Player of the match: Myles Lewis-Skelly

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