FULHAM 0-1 ARSENAL: Mikel Arteta's men returned to the Premier League summit with a slender win at Craven Cottage as Leandro Trossard found the net from a set-piece
Arsenal players celebrate after scoring against Fulham
Arsenal players celebrate after scoring against Fulham
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Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought win over Fulham as the kings of the dead-ball struck again at Craven Cottage.
Neither side were able to find a breakthrough in a reasonably uneventful first half, although Riccardo Calafiori did hit the back of the net with a fine first-time strike after straying into an offside position. But as they so often do these days, Arsenal found a way to break the home side's resistance via a set-piece early in the second half.
Leandro Trossard was in the right place at the right time to stab home Gabriel's flick-on from a corner. Arsenal thought they had a penalty not long after, only for Anthony Taylor to overturn his decision following a VAR intervention.
Nine additional minutes gave home fans hope that their side could conjure up a late leveller. But Arsenal managed to avoid any drama and saw the game out to clinch another priceless victory. Here are Mirror Football's player ratings...
Arsenal's No 1 had very little to do as Fulham failed to hit the target at all.
Jurrien Timber playing for Arsenal vs Fulham
Jurrien Timber impressed again in Arsenal's win
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Has become one of the Premier League's top defenders since getting over the injury that marred his maiden season. One of those player who gives you a minimum seven out of 10 every week.
Couple of uncharacteristic wobbles in the first half. Another clean sheet, though and it was his header that directed the ball into Trossard's path for the opening goal.
Stood firm during Fulham's forays forward without ever looking overly troubled.
Denied a peach of a goal by the offside flag and went close later in the first half too. Constantly galloping around in the final third.
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Oozes class and has adapted to life in the Premier League with the absolute minimum of fuss. Can see why so many of Europe's elite wanted him.
Grown into such an influential player for Arsenal. Kept things ticking over with Zubimendi in the engine room.
Has slotted into this Arsenal team seamlessly and has magic in those boots but struggled here. No surprise to see him withdrawn on the hour.
Bukayo Saka was Arsenal's best player against Fulham
Bukayo Saka was Arsenal's best player against Fulham
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Arsenal's Mr. Consistency and was their best attacker again. Was a constant threat and unfortunate to end the night without a goal contribution.
Scored the Arsenal goal but wasn't having his best game up until that point. How crucial could his winner be, though?
Wasn't blessed with endless service but unable to beat Bernd Leno in the home goal. Lack of returns will soon be scrutinised further.
SUBS
Was steady after replacing Eze just after the hour mark.
Late replacement for Trossard. Didn't impact the game but will be out to wrestle the jersey away from the Arsenal matchwinner in the coming weeks.
Came on in stoppage time for Gyokeres. Barely had time to break a sweat.
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