Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal smashed Fulham in the Premier League(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal provided the Emirates Stadium with one of their performances of the season to move six points clear of Manchester City and put the pressure on their Premier League title rivals. Many will ask where that display has been in recent weeks, but will be grateful for its arrival at a crucial time in the season.
The Gunners took the lead courtesy of Viktor Gyokeres, who owes a great deal of thanks to Bukayo Saka, on his first start since returning from injury, tapping in after a great cross. Saka then turned goalscorer, as the Swede played him inside the box to fire low past Bernd Leno.
After a Riccardo Calafiori goal was ruled out for offside, Leandro Trossard, who had set up the Italian before, found another perfect lobbed ball, this time for Gyokeres, who headed in. The changes at half-time and slightly into the second half saw a natural drop in quality, but there was an essence of conservation too about the Gunners’ play.
Here is how **football.london** rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
**David Raya –** Had to be alert to run and get to the ball before Raul Jimenez in his opponent’s half, the sliding tackle was quite the moment for the fans. **7**
**Ben White –** Some good runs and passing moves, but there is still just that level the right-back isn’t quite reaching. **7**
**William Saliba –** The Frenchman was imperious as always, and there were some great strides into the middle third, which helped progress the team. Got unlucky with his cross for Gabriel too. **8**
**Gabriel –** Came so close to a goal, set up by his centre-half partner, the ball was nearly tapped in at the back post. Strong defensively as we have come to expect too. **8**
**Riccardo Calafiori –** Thought he had scored the Gunners’ second but was standing in an offside position when Trossard crossed the ball. Some really nice movements forward in the game with the ball. So unlucky to hit the crossbar too. **8**
**Declan Rice –** Into the deeper number six role, I have a suspicion this could be a sign of the future, as the Arsenal anchor. The conductor role, pulling the strings, gives more freedom to the other midfielders. **8**
**Myles Lewis-Skelly –** His first Premier League start in midfield, and he was a joy to watch. The driving runs, the movement and the one-touch passing with a mindset of moving the ball forwards and getting his side up the pitch. **9**
**Eberechi Eze –** A beautiful through ball to Gyokeres to set up the second goal. Found Gyokeres inside the box for a one-on-one chance, which was saved. **8**
**Bukayo Saka –** Back into the starting line-up with a bang as the winger sat Jimenez on his backside to fire the perfect cross into the box for Gyokeres. It was the corner deliveries, too, providing such a lift.
His finish for the Gunners’ second, though, was what has been missing all season from the winger; he looks back to some of his best. Job done, off at half-time for a well-earned rest. **9**
**Viktor Gyokeres –** Right place, right time, and the Swede continues his fine form from Wednesday night, tapping in Saka’s cross. His hold-up play has reached a different height this past week, and his setup for Saka’s goal was his best of the season.
Had the chance to score his hat-trick after he was played in by Eze one-on-one, but Leno made a good stop. **9**
**Leandro Trossard –** Real shame Calafiori was offside because the ball from the Belgian to find him for the disallowed goal was quite something. Great cross for the third, though, with Gyokeres heading home. **8**
**Noni Madueke –** Had some lively moments, and nearly found the one-on-one chance for Jesus were it not for an offside flag, but it would be fair to say the level between him and Saka was on full show here. **6**
**Martin Zubimendi –** Came on to replace Rice so the Englishman could have a well-deserved rest. Just helped to see out the game from his role, not putting a foot wrong. **6**
**Gabriel Jesus –** Really poor performance in a game where the pressure had been removed. Offside, losing the ball and lacking effort. **2**
**Max Dowman -** Great to see the youngster get another chance on the field, and give Eze a break. Had a great driving run at goal, but couldn't find the target with the shot. **6**
**Cristhian Mosquera -** Came on late for White. Made a goal-preventing interception in the box when outnumbered. **7**