Fulham vs Arsenal 1-5 – Match Report & Ratings by Hackinubee
This (in my opinion) was one of the best (if not the best) performances of the Unai Emery’s era, where although Fulham were on top for some minutes at the start of the match, we were quick to get into the game (unlike previous matches where we wait till the second half), and we were duly rewarded when Lacazette scored a fine goal from
Monreal’s layoff.
The supposedly “Mr Consistent” Ignacio Monreal then let Fulham get back in the game with a misplaced pass a few minutes before half time and it ended all square after the first 45mins.
The second half started with Arsenal on top and we got back our lead some minutes after the restart with Lacazette converting Welbeck’s pass to score his fourth goal of the EPL Campaign, and forcing Fulham to open up and try to get something from the game, an act which proved to play into Arsenal’s hands as we continually opened their defence and
countered effectively and we could have scored more than five (Not that I’m complaining though).
Around the 60′ mark, Aubameyang was brought in to replace the resurgent Iwobi with Ramsey joining him around five minutes later. They both combined to score the third goal following a sweet team move and a top notch finish from the soon-to-be-free Welshman (a goal scored after 39 seconds of his introduction). The impressive Bellerin then assisted Aubameyang to score the fourth goal and Ramsey turned provider, showing the traits of a proper no. 10 to slide a perfect
through ball for Aubameyang to score his second of the match (fourth goal in the EPL overall) and they both claimed a Premier League record in the process, being the first subs to score and assist each other’s goals in a single match.
Ratings:
Leno: 7/10
Pulled off some saves, wasn’t really troubled though but the confidence he exuded with the ball at his feet makes Cech’s injury seem a blessing.
Bellerin:7/10
Didn’t really put a foot wrong through out the match, combining superbly with Mhkitaryan on occasions, capping off his performance with an assist.
Mustafi:7/10
A strong performance from the German who also played an almost perfect match.
Holding:7.5/10
Has been very impressive since coming on for Sokratis, looking calm and assured and his performances was surely one of the reasons Emery didn’t rush Sokratis back after his short injury layoff.
Monreal:6/10
He started well and got an assist after being played through by Iwobi but let Fulham get back into the game with an inexcusable mistake.
Torreira:8/10
Showing what really made him the most expensive Arsenal’s signing last summer and he has played well since his introduction although he looked to play from box to box in this match.
Xhaka:6.5/10
Can’t really find a mistake in his game although his sluggishness and slow decision making still invites pressure now and then and I can only hope he’s worked it out when we get to play a team that
executes the press well like Liverpool.
Iwobi:8/10
He has been consistently good this season and was one of our main threats during the first half,hopefully he can keep this form for the whole season.
Welbeck:7/10
His work rate is just unbelievable and hopefully he can continue his goal scoring form.
Mhkitaryan:7/10
Linked up well with Bellerin and kept the Fulham defence guessing by interchanging positions with Iwobi.
Lacazette:9/10
Another top performance from our no. 9 who dropped deep when he should, played in the box when he should, and his goals were classical too.
Subs
Aubameyang:8.5/10
Came on to score a brace and got an assist despite playing just 30 minutes.
Ramsey:7.5/10
Scored a beauty (a potential contender for goal of the month/season) and got an assist with a perfect pass to his fellow sub, Aubameyang.
Guendouzi:6/10
Brought on to probably see out the match with the score already at 1-4 and strung together some nice passes.
Overall Ratings:9
Yes, the performance was great but I still believe we could still come
up with a better performance in our upcoming matches.
PS: Emery has confirmed Ozil’s back injury was why he wasn’t included
in the team, and I have to wonder why the club can’t let him have a
surgery and get rid of the injury for once.
We’re also two points off the top of the table and currently in the
top four, and have already won 3 away games this season compared to
four last season.
#COYG
Hackinubee