LEANDRO TROSSARD kneed Arsenal to the top of the table in a 1-0 win over Fulham.
The Belgian winger was in the right place at the right time to tap in Gabriel’s flick-on at a corner in the second half.
A Gunners performance reeking of wet gunpowder after the international break threatened to see them drop crucial points on their visit to west London.
However, Mikel Arteta‘s emphasis on making the most of their set pieces came up trumps once again.
Arsenal moved three clear at the top of the Premier League table, knowing Liverpool will need to beat Manchester United to close that gap.
Here’s how SunSport’s Andy Dillon rated the Gunners:
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David Raya – 6
On his toes to touch over an audacious cross-shot from Fulham’s blossoming rookie Josh King.
At least the Arsenal keeper was awake unlike some of his defenders. Second half was fairly quiet with no great saves to make despite Fulham’s pressure.
Jurien Timber – 6
Cracking diagonal ball to Trossard who squares for Calafiori to score but ruled out for offside in the first half.
His evening got tougher once Fulham brought on record transfer Kevin to give him a grilling down the left.
William Saliba – 6
His aerial prowess proved vital during the second half as the home side pushed for an equaliser.
He was at least a steady presence throughout. Particularly in the first half when his sidekick Gabriel was wobbling.
Gabriel – 6
Looked like someone who had been to Korea and back in the last two weeks. Twice in a matter of minutes he was caught cold with misplaced or underhit passes that let Fulham through to cause real danger.
Then rose like a rocket on lift-off to provide the flick-on for Trossard to score. Redemption.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
The driver of Arsenal’s sluggish first half. Had a corker of a goal ruled out for offside then went close with a classy right-foot volley. Showing the energy and desire his team-mates lacked.
Played two full games for Italy during the domestic break but somehow maintained his energy levels.
Eberechi Eze – 5
Unable to drive at Fulham and lasted barely an hour. Withdrawn to possibly protect his legs for Tuesday’s trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Half an hour for England in midweek was time enough for him to get on the scoresheet in Latvia but no such luck in west London.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
On a day when no Arsenal player really stood out, the summer signing dug in and managed to get his foot in just when it mattered most.
Did what he had to do and coming away with a clean sheet is praise enough.
Declan Rice – 6
Playing further forwards but required at times to make those elegant emergency tackles for which he is famous as Fulham threatened.
Still showing signs of tiredness although his forward passing was on the button. After Trossard’s goal he was immediately issuing instructions to his team-mate. No sitting back on the glory.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Not at his best as captain in Odegaard’s absence. At the centre of the drama though when brought down by Fulham sub Kevin just moments after the club’s record-signing Brazilian came on as he went down inside the box after a challenge.
Lengthy delays before ref Anthony Taylor rightly reversed his decision to award a penalty.
Victor Gyokeres – 6
Had two cracking shots superbly saved by former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.
But still failed to mount sustained danger up front. Still not making his physicality count as he adapts to the uncompromising nature of the Premier League.
Leonardo Trossard – 7
First Premier League goal of the season and it’s an important one that dug his team out of their post international break slumber.
Capped a good week personally after rounding off Belgium’s 4-2 win over Wales on Monday when Fulham’s Harry Wilson was in attendance then too.
Subs
Mikel Merino (Eze 62 mins) – 5
Blazed one over which would have sealed a hard-fought away win. Expected better from the bloke who was Arsenal’s unlikely hero up front last season.
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Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 81) – 5
Went for an instant impact with an acrobatic overhead kick at goal. Decent idea at least to liven things up.
Christian Norgaard (Gyokeres 90) – 5
N/A
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