Arsenal remained perfect in the Premier League with a 2-1 win against Fulham at the Emirates. Arsenal faced adversity, as they went 1-0 earlier in the second half, but they mounted a furious comeback to continue their winning streak. Let’s get into the week 4 match review.
Week 4 Match Review: The Positives
Aaron Ramsdale
There were plenty of positives from this match. Ramsdale in goal played quite well and can’t be blamed for Fulham’s goal. In fact, he made two crucial saves which helped Arsenal win the game. It was definitely a good performance for the Arsenal keeper.
Ben White
Ben White was also very good in Arsenal’s defense. He made a critical block in the second half when it was 1-1. Without that block, this match could have gone much differently. He was assured and confident in possession, too.
Mohammed Elneny
Elneny did a good job filling in for Thomas Partey in midfield. He completed 51 out of his 52 passes. Elneny was also never dispossessed during this game. He kept it simple and recycled possession well. Elneny helped Arsenal control the game in midfield.
Martin Odegaard
Speaking of Arsenal’s midfield, Odegaard was outstanding. He scored Arsenal’s equalizing goal and really drove the team forward. Odegaard also lifted the team spirit and inspired the team to victory. This was a true captain’s performance from Odegaard.
Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah also played well once he came on. He re-energized Arsenal’s front-line and looked dangerous going forward. Nketiah didn’t get a goal in this match, but it’s only a matter of time before he is on the scoresheet if he continues playing like this.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes made up for his mistake by scoring the match-winning goal. He reacted quickly and put the ball in the back of the net following Leno’s error in claiming the cross. Gabriel went from villain to hero in the space of roughly 30 minutes of football.
Arsenal’s Gritty Performance
In a more general sense, Arsenal showed great determination in coming back to win 2-1. In previous seasons, this could have easily been a draw or even a loss. However, Arsenal kept pressing for the win and held on for all three points once they had taken the lead. It was a gritty performance from a maturing Arsenal team.
The Negatives
Gabriel’s mistake is the major negative here. To be fair to him, that ball across the box to him was a risky one. However, Gabriel should have passed the ball to Tierney or simply cleared the ball to escape the Fulham pressure. Instead, he took too many touches and was dispossessed by Mitrovic, who scored Fulham’s only goal of the match.
Tierney, while he played well overall, did not offer as much going forward as Zinchenko has in recent weeks. Kieran Tierney has just come back from injury, so it is not too much of a concern. A slow start is understandable. However, it is still worth noting, regardless.
Week 4 Match Review: Man of the Match- Martin Odegaard
As previously stated, Odegaard had a fantastic game against Fulham. He now has 3 goals in his last two Premier League games and seems to be in excellent form. Odegaard scored Arsenal’s equalizing goal and settled the team’s nerves after that poor start to the second half.
It is unlikely that Arsenal come back to win this match without Odegaard. He was at his phenomenal best today. The Arsenal captain certainly impressed and demonstrated just what he is capable of against Fulham.
Arsenal Face Aston Villa at Home Next
Arsenal remains at the Emirates for their next Premier League match, which is against Aston Villa. The Gunners have beaten Aston Villa twice in their last three meetings and Villa is in poor form to start the season. Arsenal should certainly win this match, especially at home. I would expect Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko to sit out this match so they can play against Manchester United, though. However, it is still a safe bet that Arsenal will defeat Aston Villa again. Check back in after the match against Aston Villa for our next match review.