ARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.<\/p>\n
Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.<\/p>\n
But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.<\/p>\n
Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.<\/p>\n
DAVID RAYA – 7<\/p>\n
Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.<\/p>\n
He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.<\/p>\n
His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.<\/p>\n
There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.<\/p>\n
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6<\/p>\n
It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.<\/p>\n
Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid<\/a>.<\/p>\n GABRIEL – N\/A<\/p>\n Just when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka<\/a>, they lose another top star.<\/p>\n Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.<\/p>\n WILLIAM SALIBA – 6<\/p>\n Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.<\/p>\n His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.<\/p>\n However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.<\/p>\n MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7<\/p>\n Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.<\/p>\n He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.<\/p>\n While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.<\/p>\n Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.<\/p>\n THOMAS PARTEY – 7<\/p>\n Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya<\/a> pop up to save the day.<\/p>\n Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.<\/p>\n He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.<\/p>\n DECLAN RICE – 6<\/p>\n He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.<\/p>\n Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.<\/p>\n MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5<\/p>\n Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.<\/p>\n The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.<\/p>\n Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.<\/p>\n GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9<\/p>\n