Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham: Two get 5/10s as VAR drama dents title hopes in draw

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took another blow after a 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday afternoon as VAR played a late part in deciding the result.

Raul Jimenez put the hosts ahead after just 11 minutes with a crisp low strike into the bottom corner. The Gunners dominated possession in the first half but couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Cottagers.

That changed in the second half when the set-piece masters did it again, with Declan Rice’s corner headed across by Kai Havertz and tapped home by William Saliba. The visitors pushed for a late winner and thought they had it through Bukayo Saka, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to Gabriel Martinelli being offside.

Express Sport assesses the Arsenal player ratings from Craven Cottage as they are six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

David Raya 6

Couldn’t do much to stop Jimenez’s fine effort after the Mexican pulled the trigger early. His distribution was solid and the Spaniard snuffed out any danger posed by Fulham. Decent stop to deny Andreas Pereira.

Thomas Partey 6

With no Ben White and Jurrien Timber forced to deputise at left-back, Partey was moved into a full-back role. But he looked disjointed and uncomfortable in carrying out his defensive duties up against the explosive Adama Traore. Somehow missed a free header from inside the six-yard box.

William Saliba 8

Made a number of crucial interventions to stop Fulham getting a second goal and got the Gunners back on level terms from – you guessed it – a set piece.

Jakub Kiwior 5

Caught ball-watching and paid the price was Jimenez ghosted in behind him to fire the opener after 11 minutes. On this evidence, it’s abundantly clear why the Pole is only used in emergency situations.

Jurrien Timber 6

Supported Trossard on the left in attacking areas but the Dutchman had his hands full dealing with the in-form Alex Iwobi. Otherwise, a relatively unspetacular showing.

Jorginho 6

Tried to carry the ball forward for his team and got stuck into tackles. The central midfielder showed a willingness to get on the ball and dictate play. Replaced for fresh legs with just over a quarter of the game left.

Declan Rice 6

Every touch in the first half seemed to go astray or under his body and he spent a lot of time chasing back. But his corner delivery was once again on the money to get the Gunners back on level terms. Booked.

Martin Odegaard 6

Not quite as influential as he has been in recent weeks in the first half as his compatriot Berge looked to keep him quiet in central areas. Grew into the game as Fulham sat back and fed Saka with some intricate through balls, but nothing came off.

Bukayo Saka 8

A constant threat from the right as he whipped in dangerous crosses, but the red shirts were outnumbered by Fulham. The 23-year-old had a few attempts on goal too and didn’t stop trying to create chances for his side. So unfortunate to be denied the late winner.

Kai Havertz 6

Extremely quiet in the first half and barely had a sniff. One goal in his last eight games tells the whole story about his current struggles and the fact Saliba steered his point-blank header – which was going wide – into the net spared his blushes. No surprise to see him brought off.

Leandro Trossard 5

Starting ahead of Gabriel Martinelli was a surprise call from Arteta and the gamble didn’t work as planned. Hooked before the hour with only one shot attempt and 67 per cent pass accuracy.

Substitutes

Gabriel Martinelli (on 60′) 7

His pace injected life into the Arsenal attack with direct running, but he struggled to find his way past Kenny Tete into the box. When he did supply the cross for Saka, he was marginally offside. Booked.

Mikel Merino (on 73′) 6

Nothing spectacular about his cameo.

Gabriel Jesus (on 73′) 6

The Brazilian didn’t have a clear-cut chance since coming off the bench.

Ethan Nwaneri (on 79′) 6

The 17-year-old showed some nice touches and perhaps should’ve come on earlier.