Bernd Leno: The German did brilliantly to claw away an early effort from Gabriel Martinelli and was unfortunate to push the ball straight into the path of the waiting Bukayo Saka, who had the simplest of tasks to give Arsenal the lead from close range. What was surprising was that the Gunners barely tested their former goalkeeper more. Leno’s delight at being the winner side was clear as he took the acclaim from the Hammersmith End following the final whistle. 7

Timmy Castagne: The Belgian was caught up field for Arsenal’s goal having made a strong run into the final third but failed to produce a telling delivery. That was the story of the right back’s first half an hour as he struggled to make the most of purposeful bursts down the wing but he kept plugging away and, most importantly, ensured that the dangerous Martinelli didn’t have that kind of space and time to hurt Fulham again. A strong showing despite a sticky start. 7

Antonee Robinson: The American did magnificently to blunt Saka’s influence after the England winger scored in the fifth minute. By the latter stages of the contest, the Arsenal man was venturing way off his flank if only to try and find some space to play in. Of course, it wasn’t just Robinson’s defensive discipline that marked out this performance. He flew forward as ever from left back and produced a brilliant bit of vision to create some space for Raul Jimenez in the penalty area – when the Mexican really should have scored. 8

Tosin Adarabioyo: Outstanding once again at the heart of the Fulham defence. Brought the ball out from the back with his usual composure and distributed it well, even under pressure. Tosin was a big part of how the Whites maintained their advantage after going in front in the second half, making a number of vital clearances as Arsenal pushed for a late leveller. He also dealt very well with Gabriel Jesus after the forward was sent on by Arteta. 8

Calvin Bassey: A colossal display combining pace, power and desire from Bassey. He snapped into tackles from the outset – just like the one that saw Saka beaten to the ball and began the move for Fulham’s crucial equaliser – and gave neither Eddie Nketiah or Jesus any room in which to operate. His passing was top notch, too, and you can see why Marco Silva placed so much trust in him earlier this season. Superb. 9

Joao Palhinha: This was more like the Palhinha we know and love. He did let Martinelli get onto his stronger right side when trying to cover for the out-of-position Castagne for the early goal, but a combination of precise passing and powerful tackling helped the Portuguese international quickly put that behind him. His screening of the back four and zealous work ethic meant that Arsenal’s extra man in the centre of midfield counted for little – and you had to love his first pumping reaction to a wonderful late block of Saka’s shot. 8

Tom Cairney: Fulham’s playmaker was back on form after too subdued displays against Burnley and Bournemouth over the festive period. Plenty might have given him a rest, but Silva stuck to his guns and Cairney’s class on the ball was crucial in ensuring the Whites had a foothold in the game. He created the equaliser with a strong run down the left flank followed by a brilliant low ball in that found Jimenez at the far post – and was still pulling the strings right up until his late substitution. 8

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: It was somewhat surprising that our workaholic winger kept his place in the starting line-up having been well short of his best at Bournemouth, but this was exactly what you put Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the team for. He did a diligent job in not leaving Martinelli one-on-one against Castagne after the early setback, but he looked very lively in the final third – regularly offering an attacking outlet. Took his goal beautifully when the ball bounced his way – and thoroughly deserves all the plaudits. 8

Willian: It is no exaggeration to say that Fulham look like an entirely different team with the brilliant Brazilian back in the line up. He was prominent in the first half, with a vicious curler dropping just wide of the far post, and played his part in the equaliser by playing a deft ball down the line to release Cairney. Arteta hooked Ben White at half time but that didn’t have the desired effect as the former Arsenal winger kept on popping up in dangerous positions. What a signing he has been. 8

Alex Iwobi: Another ex-Arsenal man had more freedom to operate in this side having been shifted into the number ten position in place of the benched Andreas Pereira. Tried to be a bit too over elaborate early on, but soon settled into the contest – dropping into pockets of space in front of a very porous Arsenal back line. Led the press effectively, prevented the Gunners’ full backs from making progress into our half and was pivotal in putting together some dangerous breaks. 7

Raul Jimenez: It is so great to have the Mexican back from suspension after his daft kung-fu kick at Newcastle. He should have scored when Willian and Robinson combined smartly along the left but made amends with a fine first-time touch finish at the far post from Cairney’s cracking cross. He pressed far more frenetically than Rodrigo Muniz managed in the last three games and grabbled for every loose ball as well as shielding it superbly from Gabriel and Saliba, who had a torrid afternoon as a result. 8

Substitutes:

Andreas Pereira: Breathed new life into Fulham’s attack as a substitute – carrying the ball deep into Arsenal territory on a number of occasions. Ridiculously unlucky not to score with a late free-kick that came back off the crossbar with David Raya beaten. 7

Harry Wilson: Did brilliantly out wide in the final ten minutes even if his main job was to deny Arsenal the means to equalise – which would have gone against all of his natural instincts. 7

Issa Diop: Delivered a crucial contribution off the bench as Silva switched to three centre backs to soak up some of Arsenal’s late pressure. Made a couple of crucial headers as the Whites held on for a precious three points. 7

Harrison Reed: Sent on in stoppage time for Cairney to add a bit of bite to the Fulham midfield – and came in handy as Josh Smith seemed to play on forever. 6