Arsenal kickstarted their 2020/21 Premier League campaign in an emphatic fashion by securing a thumping 3-0 win over Fulham. The Gunners looked in control throughout the game, with the opposition providing very little threat going forward. New signing Gabriel Magalhaes scored a goal on his debut while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were the other scorers.
Arsenal Players Rated In Their Win Over Fulham
Bernd Leno 6/10
Returning to action after a long injury layoff, Bernd Leno was mostly untroubled as Fulham struggled to create many chances in the final third. He looked confident and picked up a relatively easy clean sheet.
Rob Holding 7.5/10
It was yet another confident defensive display from Rob Holding, who was solid at the back and prevented the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro from causing trouble in the Arsenal half.
Gabriel Magalhaes 8/10
Gabriel Magalhaes had a rusty start to his Premier League career with a lack of communication with Leno almost gifting a scoring opportunity for Kamara. The Brazilian, however, settled in quickly after that and looked solid. His promising debut was capped off with a darting header to score the second goal for Arsenal.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
Kieran Tierney had a quieter game than one would expect. The Scot mostly remained in his own half, perhaps to help Arsenal fight off the numerical disadvantage with Fulham playing with four attackers. He was disciplined and kept Neeskens Kebano quiet for the entirety of the game.
Hector Bellerin 7.5/10
Hector Bellerin had a lively game on the right flank. He provided the necessary attacking support to Willian and showed glimpses of his exquisite pace and ability to cut off passing lanes.
Granit Xhaka 7.5/10
Granit Xhaka picked up from where he had left off, providing an all-round display in the middle of the park. He worked hard and was not complacent in possession, though picking up a late knock could serve as a significant worry for Mikel Arteta.
Mohamed Elneny 7/10
Starting ahead of Dani Ceballos, Mohamed Elneny put in a great shift in central midfield. He established himself as a reliable passing outlet and created one or two crucial turnovers in the middle of the park.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7/10
Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ remarkable work-ethic and stamina played a critical role in allowing Tierney to remain in his own half. The Englishman seems like an ideal fit under Arteta.
Willian 9/10
A prime debut for Willian, who was one of the best performers this afternoon. The ex-Chelsea star offered work-rate, pace and dynamism in the final third, making life way too difficult for Fulham. He took the corner that led to Gabriel’s goal while providing a sumptuous cross-field pass to find Aubameyang for the third. A new playmaker is in town!
Alexandre Lacazette 8.5/10
Alexandre Lacazette looked bright right from the beginning. His ability to drop deep, hold the ball and rotate possession with one-touch passes made him an ideal outlet in the number nine role for Arsenal. Also showed his scoring instinct by netting the crucial opener early in the game.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 8.5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again impressed in the wider attacking role. He showcased his ability to not only drift past defenders with clever footwork but also to make clever runs in behind the lines. He scored the pick of the goals, applying an exquisite finish to find Arsenal’s third and effectively seal all three points for his side.
SUBSTITUTES
Nicolas Pepe 6/10
Replaced the debutant Willian during the final phase of the game. Provided some flair out wide and got close to finding a useful square pass which might have led to the fourth goal.
Dani Ceballos N/A
Had very little time to impact the game as he replaced Xhaka in the 79th minute.
Eddie Nketiah N/A
A late replacement for Lacazette.
