Arsenal 5-1 Fulham: 7 Takeaways from the game for the Gunners

Arsenal got a wondrous win at Fulham, scoring five goals to Fulham's one at Craven Cottage. So what can we learn from this result?

Arsenal dominated this game for the most part, with Lacazette and Aubameyang getting braces apiece. Aaron Ramsey scored a wonder goal, despite the club rescinding a contract agreement with him.

Arsenal went into this game with wins for Spurs and Manchester United on Saturday, and with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City playing later on Sunday. United and Arsenal old boy Sanchez won at the death vs. Newcastle on Saturday evening.

So Arsenal had to capitalise, to at least gain more of a foothold for the top four places. Liverpool and City both couldn't get full points, and it was opportune to take advantage of the game between them happening later on Sunday.

There was a good result vs. Qarabag in Azerbaijan in the Europa League, and they had been on a run for several games before this.

The Arsenal fans at the game were signing "We've got our Arsenal back!" Whether this is true or not is moot. Though the team did show much ruthlessness, and a ruggedness to surpass Fulham's initial pressing style.

Other points were:

• Strong performances for Lacazette, Iwobi, Aubameyang, Torreira, Holding, and Mustafi
• Critical substitutions from Unai Emery
• The ability to weather Fulham's early pressing style

Can Arsenal get top four in this sense? Who knows? The scoreline meant Arsenal surpassed their good friends and neighbours Tottenham in the table, and if they can sustain this form, who knows?

What is certain is that Arsenal is improving, and given Manchester United's issues, this could be a good chance to get into the top four this time around.

---

#1 Alex Iwobi's rising stock

Alex Iwobi's uncle is Jay-Jay Okocha, and he certainly drew on his uncle's graceful technique since he was very influential in this game.

His forward running and dribbling caused numerous issues for Fulham, and he contributed to create several chances for Lacazette.

He's been maligned of late, especially from last season, but this season he has progressed a lot. Is he getting new direction from Emery, compared to Wenger? Is he also developing more traits from Emery, or is the new environment and training environment getting him charged?

It could be either, or a combination of them, who knows? What's certain is that Iwobi is proving this talent, which many knew was always apparent.

If he can sustain this, then it can be a boon for the club. He can be as much a Super Eagles legend as his esteemed uncle, at this rate.

#2 Lacazette and Aubameyang's goalscoring run

Arsenal's key attacking duo both got braces and was vital to Arsenal's win.

Lacazette's first goal was technically sound, with a strong first touch and swivel. The second was similar, though from longer range, and throughout the game, he was troubling the Fulham defence. His strength, acceleration and finishing were telling in this game.

Aubameyang didn't start, and he took his brace very well. It was his introduction which in large part destroyed Fulham, and his first goal was akin to Lacazette's goal, with an executed with swivel and a wonderful finish. The second was a low drive, and well taken from the edge of the Fulham area.

Both strikers are top quality, and if Arsenal is to get top four, it needs both of them firing in. They can readily get 20 goals apiece, and if so, Arsenal could be in business.

#3 Lucas Torreira's physicality

Lucas Torreira's presence was a factor here also, considering Fulham's game plan was to be physical and press Arsenal high up the pitch. This didn't really work, and Arsenal's greater technical capacity told for the win.

Torreira was fouled extensively in the game, and in a way, this was due to Fulham's game plan, and because he could handle it and manage it well.

He is the player Arsenal have needed for several years, in terms of a strong midfielder who not only can tackle but pass and provide greater positional stability.

#4 An improving defence and an assured goalkeeper

Bernd Leno looks assured throughout and was seldom threatened by Fulham, including Mitrovic who has scored five PL goals alone.

Holding and Mustafi were strong and in part the reason why Mitrovic was quiet. They won nearly all their headers, made numerous clearances, and in large parts handled and coped with the Fulham forward press well.

Bellerin too defended well, and his forward running and crossing were very adept.

Monreal gave the ball away for the Fulham goal and possibly didn't play as well as he could have. But then all of the defenders and GK were able to play from the back without much hassle today.

#5 That Ramsey goal

Despite the club retracting a contract offer for Ramsey, his performance in this game strongly added to Fulham's downfall.

He linked up expertly with Lacazette and Aubameyang, and his goal was a wonderfully executed team goal. Some were saying it was akin to the Wilshere/Norwich City goal in 13/14, and it's a fair comparison given the technical nature of it.

Does this mean the club should retain him? It would look silly now to keep him after publicly stating he is not needed. However, Ramsey is a good player, and he showed it today.

#6 Unai Emery's philosophy

Unai Emery made some telling subs at critical times to win the game here. Fulham's equaliser made half-time more difficult than it should have been.

Nonetheless, Arsenal was dominant in the first half, and far more so in the second. Managing Fulham's pressing game and physicality told, as was starting Iwobi to exploit their bad defence.

Emery is showing the tactical skills to manage games when required, which was lacking in the latter Wenger period. There was also a ruggedness against Fulham, which allowed Arsenal to ride the wave of their pressing style.

#7 Will the winning run continue?

The win today was Arsenal's ninth in a row in all competitions. In their next five fixtures, they play:

Leicester (H) - Premier League

Crystal Palace (A) - Premier League

Blackpool (H) - League Cup

Sporting Lisbon (H) - Europa League

Liverpool (H) - Premier League

The Liverpool game will be the hardest, though Leicester, Palace, and the Cup games will be tough too.

However, Arsenal should be looking to get positive results in all of them. Liverpool isn't invincible, despite their wondrous front line. Arsenal's front line isn't slouchy either, in fairness.

The winning run won't last forever, though Arsenal can consolidate their place in the top four with some good wins in the coming games.