Arsenal player ratings: Awkward Kai Havertz hooked early but Fabio Vieira shines as super sub against Fulham
ARSENAL encountered their first draw of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
The Gunners were behind within the first minute after a howler from goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Odegaard had the ball in the back of the net just before half-time, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Havertz in the build-up.
Arsenal’s were awarded a 66th minute penalty after substitute Fabio Vieira was taken down by a reckless challenge from Kenny Tete.
Striker Eddie Nketiah then controversially fired the home side ahead just six minutes later.
But ten-man Fulham equalised in the 87th minute when João Palhinha finished from close range.
Here’s how SunSport’s Andy Dillon rated Mikel Arteta’s men at The Emirates…
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
The Arsenal keeper was caught out for Fulham’s lightning strike inside a minute but was not overwhelmed after that.
He was kept on his toes by wobbly defending throughout the game.
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Thomas Partey – 4
The Ghanaian seemed unsure of himself with his dual role in midfield and right back.
He was a key component of the awful first half for his team and subbed after less than an hour.
Ben White – 5
The England defender got the runaround from Pereira and Jimenez.
He was then drafted in as right back in an emergency reshuffle.
William Saliba – 5
Came back from a lengthy injury and needs to rediscover the form that got him to the World Cup last year.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Playing a bit out of his comfort zone as left back so uncomfortable and moved to centre half as part of boss Arteta’s tactical rewrite with Arsenal struggling.
Martin Odegaard – 5
The Arsenal captain did score but team-mate Havertz was offside.
Another rising shot well held by Leno but the team needed more from the Norwegian.
Declan Rice – 6
New recruit and club record signing Rice was pretty solid with his defensive duties.
But he unable to provide the ammunition for his forwards or impose his drive on the game like he did last season at West Ham.
Kai Havertz – 4
Havertz seems to have carried the Chelsea offside virus across London with him which denied his team a first half leveller.
The forward looked awkward and was hooked for Fabio Vieira after just 56 minutes.
Bukayo Saka – 5
The winger was guilty of the error which gifted Fulham their shock first minute lead.
Improved in his battle with athletic Robinson but still lacked finish until it came to his spot kick.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Surprise victim of the axe at half time as he looked the most likely to carve out something in a frustrating performance.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Twisted and turned but lacked the precision to make the breakthrough from his left wing position.
Eddie Nketiah – 7
Nketiah was subbed on in the 46th minute and added some mobility and threat to the forward line underlined by his controversial goal to put Arsenal in front.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Zinchenko – who has been out with a calf injury – came on in the 56th minute.
He failed to make a real impact in a reshuffled defence.
Fabio Vieira – 8
Vieira proved something of a super sub after coming on ten minutes into the second half.
Showed good pace and intent to win the spot-kick as Tete brought him down.
And just a few minutes later provided an assist for Nketiah which put the home side into a 2-1 lead.
Jorginho – 6
Brought on late to steady the ship. That went well.
Fulham equalised shortly after.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
The injured Jesus arrived as the last throw of the dice from Arteta after things went wonky.