Fulham 0-3 Arsenal: Gunners restore five-point lead at top of table with convincing win

Arsenal restored their five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League in outstanding fashion with a ruthless victory at Fulham.

Gabriel Martinelli had already had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), before defender Gabriel headed in Leandro Trossard's corner after 21 minutes - the first of a trio of assists for the Belgian.

Trossard then crossed for Martinelli to beat the static Antonee Robinson to head home at the far post five minutes later, before providing the delivery for captain Martin Odegaard's cool finish in first-half stoppage time.

Fulham mounted a belated threat after the break as visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale denied Bobby de Cordova-Reid, while Tosin Adarabioyo headed against the woodwork.

Arsenal, however, were always in control and Arteta was able to re-introduce influential striker Gabriel Jesus for the first time since he required knee surgery after being injured playing for Brazil against Cameroon at the World Cup for a 13-minute cameo.

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Trossard stands out as Gunners pass another test

This had all the hallmarks of a hazardous fixture for Arsenal given Fulham's impressive campaign and the pressure on after Manchester City reduced their lead to two points.

But, once again, the steel, character and skill that has characterised their season was on show.

The £21m capture of Trossard from Brighton in January looks increasingly shrewd by the week and he ran riot down Fulham's right flank, taking on the role of creator-in-chief before being substituted to a standing ovation in the closing stages.

Arsenal have been presented with examinations of different types on a regular basis in this impressive attempt to win a first title since 2004 - and they passed this one with flying colours.

The Gunners dug deep to come from two goals down to beat Bournemouth in the 97th minute in last weekend's game at Emirates Stadium, while here they stamped their authority all over a lacklustre Fulham from the first whistle.

Manchester City had asked the question by winning at Selhurst Park. Arsenal provided the answer at Craven Cottage with their fifth successive Premier League win.

Fulham in danger of fading

Marco Silva's Fulham have been an outstanding addition to the top flight this season - a surprise package given they were rated as relegation favourites by many.

Here, however, they were well short of the standards they have set and this comprehensive defeat capped a disappointing week after losing the west London derby at Brentford on Monday.

There were mitigating circumstances with two of their most influential performers missing, Willian ruled out with a back muscle injury and Joao Palhinha suspended. The goals have also dried up for main marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has 11 this season, but last scored in January.

After a below-par display, Fulham only came to life after the break when the game was effectively over.

Currently in eighth place, they have done so well to put themselves in contention for European football next season.

Silva's main task now is to ensure the conclusion to this campaign does not drift away into anti-climax.

Player of the match

TierneyKieran Tierney

with an average of 8.53

• FulhamFulhamFulham
• ArsenalArsenalArsenal

Fulham

Avg

1. Squad number17Player nameLeno

   Average rating

   5.34
2. Squad number9Player nameMitrovic

   Average rating

   4.80
3. Squad number21Player nameJames

   Average rating

   4.73
4. Squad number11Player nameSolomon

   Average rating

   4.71
5. Squad number18Player nameAndreas Pereira

   Average rating

   4.71
6. Squad number2Player nameTete

   Average rating

   4.70
7. Squad number13Player nameReam

   Average rating

   4.61
8. Squad number4Player nameTosin

   Average rating

   4.59
9. Squad number14Player nameDe Cordova-Reid

   Average rating

   4.52
10. Squad number8Player nameWilson

    Average rating

    4.50
11. Squad number6Player nameReed

    Average rating

    4.41
12. Squad number28Player nameLukic

    Average rating

    4.40
13. Squad number33Player nameRobinson

    Average rating

    4.21

Arsenal

Avg

1. Squad number3Player nameTierney

   Average rating

   8.53
2. Squad number8Player nameØdegaard

   Average rating

   8.45
3. Squad number11Player nameGabriel Martinelli

   Average rating

   8.39
4. Squad number19Player nameTrossard

   Average rating

   8.39
5. Squad number5Player namePartey

   Average rating

   8.07
6. Squad number12Player nameSaliba

   Average rating

   8.06
7. Squad number6Player nameGabriel Magalhães

   Average rating

   8.03
8. Squad number7Player nameSaka

   Average rating

   8.01
9. Squad number34Player nameXhaka

   Average rating

   7.88
10. Squad number35Player nameZinchenko

    Average rating

    7.80
11. Squad number4Player nameWhite

    Average rating

    7.75
12. Squad number1Player nameRamsdale

    Average rating

    7.60
13. Squad number24Player nameNelson

    Average rating

    7.59
14. Squad number21Player nameFábio Vieira

    Average rating

    7.54
15. Squad number9Player nameGabriel Jesus

    Average rating

    7.50
16. Squad number18Player nameTomiyasu

    Average rating

    7.47