Fulham v Arsenal player ratings
Fulham were trounced at home by Arsenal and have now conceded 21 Premier League goals this season. Here’s how we rated each Whites player in the 5-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.
Marcus Bettinelli: 6
Captain for the day in the continuing absence of Tom Cairney, but had no joy. Fine one-handed save on the stretch denied Hector Bellerin at 1-1 but he was offered little protection as the Fulham defence was run ragged.
Cyrus Christie: 5
Given problems by Alex Iwobi, but impressive going forward in support of attacks. One cross in particular ought to have been converted by Aboubakar Kamara.
Denis Odoi: 6
For all the team’s defensive woes this season, and lack of clean sheets, Odoi has strangely looked calm and assured. But he was unable to repel the waves of Arsenal attacks as the game wore on.
Tim Ream: 5
Solid in the air at the start, but vulnerable on the deck. Unable to prevent Alexandre Lacazette’s spin and shot into the bottom corner for the opening goal and maybe still feeling his way in the top flight. Replaced by Kamara after only 55 minutes.
Maxime Le Marchand: 5
Snuffed out one dangerous cross with his quick feet and intuition, but had a torrid time. Moved inside when Ream left, but the defensive shortcomings which have plagued Fulham were still evident. Allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to turn and fire in the fourth and get away from him for the fifth.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa: 6
Made several telling interceptions and tackles in the first half and got forward to fire off one raking low drive. Replaced by Kevin McDonald on the hour, as Fulham wilted.
Jean Michael Seri: 5
Arsenal’s speed of movement in midfield sometimes caught him out and much of the game bypassed him, for once. Pressured him into losing possession too often.
Luciano Vietto: 6
Excellent first half. Arguably his most impressive spell so far. Almost profited from a stray pass early on – his effort being deflected wide. Good pace almost set up a goal for Aleksandar Mitrovic and claimed an assist for the equaliser.
Ryan Sessegnon: 5
Good battle with Bellerin for an hour that will have been a useful part of his learning curve, but did not enjoy the latter part of the game when he had to drop back into defence and could do little to shore up a porous rearguard.
Andre Schurrle: 6
Missed a good first-half opportunity – skewing well wide after Sessegnon had taken advantage of some sloppy Gunners defending, but made amends moments later with a dink over Bernd Leno for the equaliser.
Aleksandar Mitrovic: 5
Endured a frustrating afternoon. Shkodran Mustafi had the measure of him and one powder-puff header was about his only half-chance. A rare off day.
Aboubakar Kamara: 5
Thrust into the action early in the second half in a re-jig by Slavisa Jokanovic. Should have made it 2-2 soon after coming on but made a mess of a free header after being picked out by Christie.
Kevin McDonald: 5
Replaced Anguissa just past the hour, but was a virtual spectator as the Gunners took a stranglehold of the game.
