[PLAYER RATINGS] Arsenal 1-1 Fulham: Poor Showing From Gunners

Arsenal produced a very lacklustre and generally, below par, performance yesterday evening to draw 1-1 with lowly Fulham at the Emirates. It was only a matter of time before this game arrived i suppose. Practically the same players have been playing ever 3 days for weeks now, and fatigue was always going to set in eventually.

The biggest worry for me though was the apparent lack of effort or urgency about our play, even when we went 1 down. Sure players can be tired, but when behind at home with 20 minutes to go every player out their should be busting a gut to create chances and i didn’t see that from Arsenal last night. Too many players were coasting and waiting for somebody else to take the initiative.

Anyway, as you will know by now, Thomas Vermaelen put through his own net to gift the visitors the lead. Not sure how he managed to shank the ball into the bottom corner in that fashion but I’m going to chalk it down to bad luck. He made up for it by getting the equaliser at the right end, so all is forgiven Thomas. Arsenal couldn’t find the winner and 2 valuable points were dropped. There were plenty of below-par performances for Arsenal, here are my player ratings:

Player Ratings:

Szczesny – 6.5 – Made an excellent stop just before half time, got a hand to the Vermaelen own goal and he may feel he could have done more to keep it out. But it would be harsh to blame him for the goal. Didn’t have much else to do.

Djourou – 7 – Surprisingly good game from Johan. His height was vital at set pieces to deal with the aerial threat posed by Fulham and he had a good all-round game. Unlucky not to score, with Schwarzer making a fine close range stop from his header.

Mertesacker – 6 – Subbed shortly after Fulham went ahead as Arsene searched for goals, but had a steady game before he departed.

Vermaelen – 6 – Uncharacteristic error for the own-goal, but took his goal well at the other end.

Santos – 6.5 – Started well in the first half but his impact faded as the game went on.

Song – 6.5 – Not quite up to his usual standards but the best of the midfield three.

Arteta – 5 – Very quiet game from the Spaniard. He really needs to start taking the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen more. He seems happy just to let things tick along without really creating that much.

Ramsey – 6 – He looked tired and was subbed in the second half after a frustrating display. He failed to test the keeper with a couple of long range efforts but forced Schwarzer into a great stop in the first half from close range. Needs a rest i feel.

Walcott – 8 – Arsenal’s best player on the night. Put in a great cross for the equaliser and tested the keeper on a couple of occasions as well.

Arshavin – 4.5 – Was he playing in the second half? Started fairly brightly, for his standards, but faded badly as the game went on. Was rightly subbed, too late in my opinion, and blew his chance to impress on a rare start. Very poor display once again.

Van Persie – 6.5 – Very unlucky not to open the scoring, turning well in the area before seeing his shot cleared off the line. Tried hard to make things happen but didn’t get the service from his midfielders.

SUBS:

Gervinho – 7 – Lively display and made things happen down the left. Definitely changed the game for the better when he came on.

Diaby – 6 – Nice to see him back, and I’ve missed his mazy runs with the ball.

Chamakh – n/a – Not enough time to make an impact.

Agree with my rating? Please leave your opinions and player ratings in the comments section.