Arsenal Premier League Player Ratings vs. Fulham, 2-1

Arsenal

Fulham

• Kamara 30

Arsenal secured their tenth win of the season and were elevated momentarily to the top of the English Premier League table with a thrilling 2-1 win over London rivals Fulham at the Emirates. It was a blistering cold afternoon that was graced by two moments of brilliance from Arsenal's French dynamo Samir Nasri that ensures the Arsenal victory.

The Gunners started strongly from the word go and created numerous chances before Narsi finally struck in the fourteenth minute. The Frenchman was played through by a defence-splitting pass from Andrei Arshavin. Nasri then showed sensastionally quick feet and balance to dance past two defenders and slot past Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer.

However it was the same story for Arsene Wenger's men, the Gunners dominated but failed to captilalize on their chances and sure enough a rare chance for Fulham materalized and Mark Hughes men quickly pounced.  Playmaker Clint Dempsey took advantage of a head injury to Laurent Koscienly, who was found out of position, and played a scintillating pass to striker Diomansy Kamara, who calmly scored from close range.

The goal effectively stemmed Arsenal possession and attacking dominance for the rest of half as the young Arsenal outfit began to look tentative in attack a susceptible in defence. The London giants entered the break level and it continued that way until the seventy fifth minute before Nasri exchanged a neat flow of passes with Robin van Persie before showing immense composure to glide past John Pantsil and then Mark Schwarzer before finishing with an off balance strike.

Wenger's men were then able to keep out a desperate Fulham attack to take a relieved, deserved three points and regain their dominance in English football after a torrid few weeks.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski:7: The Polish shot stopper could do little to prevent the Fulham equalizer but can be proud of a convincing performance, particularly in the air and off set pieces. Also made a terrific save late on.

Bacary Sagna:7: The Frenchman was his typical strong and solid self in defence and contributed well in attack providing some attacking crosses.

Sebastien Squillaci:6: The experienced Frenchman still looks susceptible at the back and was at fault alongside Koscienly for the equalizer. Leads the back line from the front however and did make a number of vital challenges.

Laurent Koscienly:N/A: The former Lorient FC centre half was somewhat convincing before receiving a hefty knock from Squillaci that effectively ended his game, forced off at the 33 minutes.

Gael Clichy:7: The French speedster was strong and dominant in attack, making a number of vital interceptions and tackles. Also ensured an extra attacking option with a number of smart runs and crosses.

Alexandre Song:6: The Cameroon midfielder was guilty of some poor passing and erratic touches. Did however make some strong challenges at the heart of the midfield but was to wasteful in possession.

Jack Wilshere:6.5: The teenage sensation orchestrated the Arsenal attack early on and continued to provide a composed head in the middle of the park. Drifted out of the game more in the second half before being substituted.

Tomas Rosicky:6: The stand in captain started strongly and continues to boast a strong partnership with Nasri and Arshavin. However became quite anonymous to often and was rightly substituted.

Samir Nasri:9: Superb Samir! The French playmaker was excellent, tormented the Fulham defence so much Mark Hughes was forced to substituted before the half hour. The French dynamo's brace was one of the most composed, brilliant goals Arsenal have been blessed with.

Andrei Arshavin:7: The Russian continued his rise to form with another strong performance. Always threatening with the ball and was unlucky not to find the score sheet.

Marouane Chamakh:7: The Moroccan enjoyed a strong performance in which he provided a reliable front target alongside some great passes. However was to tentative to shot on occasions which needs to change if the sharpshooter is to notch twenty or more goals.

Substitutes

Johan Djourou:6.5: Started slowly as the imposing Swiss was rushed into action due to Koscienly concussion. However grew as the game wore on and continued his dominating defensive ways. Really the 23 year old should be considered above both Squillaci and Koscienly.

Robin van Persie:6: The Dutch maestro provided Nasri with a beautiful, unselfish pass that ensured the winner.

Theo Walcott:5: The English starlet was guilty of some poor touches.