Arsenal player ratings: David Raya shines despite conceding twice as makeshift left-back hooked at half-time

11 months ago 61

ARSENAL saw their title bid take another hit as they lost 2-1 at Fulham.

Mikel Arteta’s men failed to bounce back from their West Ham defeat with another loss in London.

Mikel Arteta saw Arsenal lose more ground in the title race with defeat at Fulham[/caption]

But who was Arsenal’s best player at Craven Cottage?

And did anyone have a game to forget?

Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Arsenal player ratings against Fulham…

DAVID RAYA – 8

Sparked counter that led to the early opener with an instinctive stop and quick throw out, and made decent stop to deny Raul Jimenez.

But he was hopeless to stop the Mexican striker later in the half bring about an equaliser and then De Cordova-Reid from close range.

Pulled off a brilliant fingertip save from Cairney’s curler outside the box. Despite conceding two goals, was Arsenal’s best player. Says it all.

BEN WHITE – 6

Could not get close to the cross that handed Fulham their goal back and guilty of dawdling on the ball far too often, especially in attack with Saka demanding service.

Brought off with 23 minutes remaining.

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WILLIAM SALIBA – 6

Close to giving away a needless penalty after caught dawdling on the ball by De Cordova-Reid and was lucky not be shown a red for a cynical foul on Wilson.

David Raya was Arsenal’s best player despite conceding two goals[/caption]

GABRIEL – 7

Steady and looks more assured on the ball this season but his rash attempted clearance allowed De Cordova-Reid to stab home a second for Fulham.

JAKUB KIWIOR – 5

Done for pace a few times in the first half in his unfamiliar role of left-back with Zinchenko sidelined due to a calf injury. Guilty of not dealing with the cross that evaded him and fell to Jimenez. Hooked at half-time, not that anyone was surprised.

DECLAN RICE – 6

Kept Arsenal ticking and kept Fulham at bay with some key interceptions. Arguably should have done better marking Jimenez from the corner that saw Arsenal go behind.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7

The beating heart of this team once again, finding space and picking passes. Much like against West Ham, nothing coming off in the first half.

Grew more and more frustrated in the second half.

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

Played his part in the first goal by feeding Martinelli down the left, but apart from that not too many notable contributions. Unsurprisingly, made way for Nelson in the 79^th minute.

Jakub Kiwior was Arsenal’s weak link and was subbed off at the break[/caption]

BUKAYO SAKA – 7

First Prem goal in six games. Great awareness to tap in the rebound from Leno’s palmed save. Involved in most things good for Arteta’s men but lacked spark.

Missed a sitter on the hour mark to bring the scores back level and only a crucial Palhinha block stopped another shot on goal.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6

Lightning counter after five minutes and shot from a cut inside teed up a tap-in for Saka and should have put his side back in front but for a skewed effort just before half time.

EDDIE NKETIAH – 6

Barely in the game. Had a half-chance swipe and a shanked attempt in the box towards the break. Did his chances of proving he can do a job ahead of Jesus no good.

SUBS

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU (KIWIOR 45) – 6

Came on to sure improve Arsenal defensively down the right yet was one of the handful of Arsenal defenders at fault from the corner for Fulham’s second.

LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI 67) – 6

One very good cross that should have been converted.

GABRIEL JESUS (WHITE 67) – 6

For some reason got nowhere near Trossard’s beauty of a delivery across the six-yard box and was static for Saka’s similar ball in.

REISS NELSON (HAVERTZ 77) – 6

Nothing of note whatsoever.

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