Fulham Vs Arsenal – Player Ratings + Highlights

Arsenal pick up 3 importanat points to move back up to third with a 1-0 victory over Fulham at the Craven Cottage. Although it was not a performance to be proud off, Arsene Wenger must be a relieved man seeing his side securing a second clean sheet in a row setting up a perfect platform to build upon before their game with Macnhester United next week.

Here are the player ratings: 

Szczesny – 7/10

A second clean sheet for the Polish shot-stopper. Did a decent job in stopping what came his way.

Sagna – 6/10

A repeat of midweek’s performance from the French man. Good in defence, but wayward offensively continuing his tradition of dreadful crossing. May be its time for Wenger to think about Jenkinson for a game or two.

Mertesacker – 7/10

Scored the only goal of the game from a close range header and managed to a decent job at the back as well. This is the 3rd goal the German has scored this season.

Koscielny – 7.5/10

Commanded the back line once again. The center back was all over the show, defended like a champion and was the provider of Mertesacker’s goal.

Monreal – 6/10

Started the game ahead of Gibbs but it was not his best day. Monreal rarely possessed attacking threats going forward and had to be on his toes as Kacaniklic kept him busy.

Arteta – 5/10

The Spaniard had a day to forget. It was the challenge on him that Sidwell got a red card early in the game. However, Arteta was a touch feisty in his approach which couldn’t help the Gunners cut through Fulham.

Ramsey – 5.5/10

After having a couple of inspiring performances, the Welsh man had a poor outing. Its still early days to tag him as an inconsistent player, but still Ramsey has to live up to his expectations week in week out as the time he has taken to recover from his broken leg is way too long and if a team is playing with title aspirations, he will be overlooked. It was the foul committed by him that led to free kick which Ruiz had in on target and thanks to the almighty that Stanislav Manolev netted the rebound from an offside position.

Walcott – 5.5/10

It has been coming isn’t it? Ever since he signed the contract Walcott has returned back to his usual inconsistent performances. Yet another promising start which faded away even before the half time whistle. May be his potential is wasted with Arsenal’s passing game play, but clearly something has been missing from the winger these days.

Cazorla 7/10

Cazorla may have not created any moments of magic, but I feel Cazorla worked his socks off and played as best he could. Its not his fault that the players around him do not give the support he requires and being played out of position, Cazorla’s performance does not deserve any criticism.

Rosicky 6/10

Started the game ahead of Wilshere and was knackered by the half time. Made some good link up play early in the game but faded away just like Walcott and was eventually subbed for Wilshere in the second half.

Giroud 5/10

Arsenal’s attacking midfielders are decent, in fact good creatively better players. The likes of  Wilshere, Santi and Rosicky are all very talented ball players, but what good is that when you have no one to pass to? Giroud just cannot seem to make any effective runs, and when he does, he either fumbles the ball or is too slow to react. His form isn’t great and although he held the up quite well for an hour it was off no use to Gunners.

Subs: Podolski, Wilshere and Vermaelen

Podolski: 6
Wilshere: 6.5

Vermaelen: N/A.

Here we leave you with the goal scored by Mertesacker:

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