LEANDRO TROSSARD starred with three assists as Arsenal beat Fulham to continue their title push.
The Gunners fired in all their goals in the first half of the Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage.
Gabriel Magalhaes netted the opener in the 21st minute before Gabriel Martinelli grabbed Arsenal’s second just five minutes later.
Martin Odegaard wrapped up the result with a curling effort just before the end of the first half.
Another bonus for Arsenal was the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury.
Following the important win, SunSport’s Mark Irwin rates Arsenal’s performance.
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AARON RAMSDALE
He was fortunate to get away with a poor clearance straight to Perreira, but made amends with second-half saves from De Cordova-Reid and Tosin to preserve his team’s three-goal lead. 6
BEN WHITE
Another solid showing from the unflappable right-back, who must have been expecting more of a threat from the in-form Fulham winger Solomon. 7
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WILLIAM SALIBA
Had Mitrovic in his pocket all afternoon. So composed on the ball and always looking to play out from the back rather than just launching it forward. 7
GABRIEL
Scored the winner against Fulham back in August and was on target again to keep Arsenal five points clear with another simple header. 7
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OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO
With Arsenal in complete control, there was no need for him to step into midfield as much as usual, and he was happy to focus on his defensive duties without getting too involved at the other end of the pitch. 6
MARTIN ODEGAARD
Ripped poor Fulham to shreds with the precision of his passing and was the coolest man in West London when he scored just before the break to put the game to bed. Booked. 8
THOMAS PARTEY
Such a huge player for Arsenal with the way he breaks up play. His physical presence is crucial to a young team who can be overpowered when he’s not playing. 7
GRANIT XHAKA
Took full advantage of the absence of the suspended Joao Palhinha to completely run the game from the middle of the park. Sold Fulham more dummies than Mothercare on the edge of their area. 8
BUKAYO SAKA
Like the Duracell bunny, he never seems to run out of power and kept asking questions of Fulham’s overworked back four until given a well-earned rest 20 minutes from the end. 7
LEANDRO TROSSARD
Delivered the corner for Arsenal’s first goal and the crosses for their next two, the Belgian is proving to be an inspired January signing. 9
GABRIEL MARTINELLI
Here, there and everywhere, Fulham simply had no answer to the dynamic young Brazilian who was unfortunate to only finish the afternoon with only one goal to his credit. 8
SUBS
Reiss Nelson (for Saka 71 mins): No need for any last-gasp heroics from him this time. 6
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko 71 mins): Brought on to see Arsenal over the line and did exactly what was asked of him. 6
Fabio Vieira (for Trossard 76 mins): Sent on to give Saka a breather and almost teed up Jesus for a late comeback goal. 6
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Gabriel Jesus (for Martinelli 76 mins): First run-out since a December knee operation and he was straight back into the thick of the action. 6
Takehiro Tomiyasu (for White 79 mins). Not much time for him to make his mark on a game which was already as good as over. 5
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
