Fulham player ratings from 2-1 win against Arsenal – Bassey and Robinson stand out as Whites wrap up 2023 with a victory

Fulham ended a three-match losing run with an impressive 2-1 win against Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Despite falling behind to an early Bukayo Saka goal, the Whites hit back with strikes from Raul Jimenez and Bobby De Cordova-Reid to end 2023 in style.

Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Craven Cottage.

Bernd Leno – 6

Will feel he could have done better with the early Gabriel Martinelli effort that he palmed into the path of Saka to open the scoring. Was otherwise untroubled by an Arsenal side that were far from their best.

Timothy Castagne – 7

Was a real attacking force in the first half, exploiting the space left by De Cordova-Reid as he tucked in from the right wing. Found it tough against the lively Martinelli at times, but overall, a strong performance as he competes with Kenny Tete for the right back spot.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 7

Looks an ideal partner for Calvin Bassey and was solid again in this one. Not given too much trouble by either Eddie Nketiah or substitute Gabriel Jesus and managed to stroll through the game.

Calvin Bassey – 8

Another great performance from the summer arrival. His crunching challenge on Saka set Fulham away for the equalising goal and he enjoyed a number of strong carries from defence in what remained of the game. Also made two tackles as well as three interceptions and won five of his seven duels.

Antonee Robinson – 8

Games like this show why teams as illustrious as Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the USA international recently. He was a constant threat down the left flank with his driving runs, almost setting Jimenez up for a goal early on. His six tackles were the most of any player on the pitch and he handled Saka well for much of the afternoon.

Alex Iwobi – 7

Back in a central role for the first time since early November to take on his former club, and Iwobi impressed once again. Helped link play well, completing two key passes, and won the ball back from Martinelli expertly to start the move that led to the corner from which De Cordova-Reid scored.

Joao Palhinha – 7

Perhaps surprising that Fulham were able to pull off such a seismic win without Palhinha being the most influential player on the pitch, but that shows how much of a team performance this was. Still contributed two tackles and two interceptions whilst also winning the header from the corner that led to De Cordova-Reid’s winner.

Tom Cairney – 7

Silva ignored calls to replace his captain with more of a defensive presence following the recent losing run, and the Fulham boss was duly rewarded. Cairney crossed for the Jimenez equaliser and played an important role in Fulham’s first-half attacks down the left. Completed 46 of his 49 passes and almost bagged himself a second half goal with a curling effort that was saved by David Raya.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 7

Was something of a forgotten man during Fulham’ goal bonanza immediately after the international break but produced the game’s defining moment in what was only his second start since the beginning of December. Reacted brilliantly to smash into the net after Arsenal made a mess of clearing.

Raul Jimenez – 7

Back after suspension to continue his scoring streak. Could have done more than find the gloves of Raya with an early chance but made no mistake when Cairney picked him out with a deep cross to the back post. Was a nuisance upfront and worked tirelessly as Fulham held on to their second-half lead.

Willian – 7

Not the winger’s most impactful performance after returning to the team following four matches out with injury, yet he was still very much involved in a lot of Fulham’s best moments. Curled wide with a decent effort in the first half before setting Cairney away down the left to set up Jimenez’s equaliser. Replaced by Issa Diop late on as Fulham held on for victory.

Subs:

Andreas Pereira – 6

Curled a free-kick against the crossbar that would have wrapped up the win and helped bring energy to midfield when it was needed.

Issa Diop – NA

Harry Wilson – NA

Harrison Reed – NA

PICTURES: PA