Fulham 1-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as VAR denies Saka winner

Arsenal were forced to settle for a point at Fulham on Sunday afternoon after Bukayo Saka had his late winner ruled out for offside.

Storm Darragh steadied in time for kick-off in west London, and Arsenal started the contest brightly before they were dealt an early sucker punch through Fulham's first venture forward.

A slick Fulham transition down the right flank concluded with an excellent Raul Jimenez finish from Kenny Tete's pass in behind Jakub Kiwior.

The Gunners' response was hardly fierce, with chances only arriving sporadically. Fulham were disciplined in their 5-4-1 block, allowing little space for the likes of Martin Odegaard - seemingly bothered by his ankle - and Bukayo Saka to operate.

It was a first-half bereft of dynamism and attacking balance, with a considerable uptick required after the restart. The boss opted for no changes at the break, but the returning Gunners did enjoy a resurgence and soon found themselves back into the game via a familiar route.

SET PIECE AGAIN, OLE, OLE.

Unlike his finish on Wednesday night, William Saliba knew plenty about this one as he tapped home from close range after Kai Havertz headed Declan Rice's corner across Bernd Leno's goal.

Arsenal's pressure was unrelenting in the aftermath, but they struggled to work the former Gunner between the Fulham posts. However, it seemed as if Bukayo Saka had headed Arsenal into a late lead when he met Gabriel Martinelli's cross, but the likely winner was ruled out following VAR intervention. Martinelli was offside in the build-up.

And that, cruelly, was that. More points dropped. Liverpool, without having to play, have ended up being the major winners of this weekend.

Fulham 1-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Raya was beaten by an excellent Jimenez finish early on and wasn't tested too much afterwards. Made a smart save with his legs to deny Andreas Pereira in the second half.

Thomas Partey (RB) - 6/10 - I wish this fella could head a ball. Overall, Partey held up pretty well at right-back, with Fulham not having too much joy down the left flank despite their impressive dynamics.

William Saliba (CB) - 8/10 - Another fine display from the Frenchman, who scored for the second game running. Saliba kept Jimenez in check after the Mexicano opened the scoring.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) - 6/10 - Kiwior was caught ball-watching for the opener, with Jimenez running off the back of him before scoring. The Pole wasn't quite as impressive as he was on Wednesday, but he did improve as the contest wore on.

Jurrien Timber (LB) - 6.5/10 - Love Timber, but not a huge fan of the left-sided dynamic. However, his central position did offer protection against the counter-attack. Didn't always make the smartest decisions in possession.

Continued on the next slide...