FULHAM VS ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli struggle as Arsenal slip to another defeat, while Joao Palhinha helps Fulham end 2023 in style

Arsenal's title challenge was dealt another blow on Sunday afternoon after Mikel Arteta's side were defeated 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Spanish manager was dissatisfied after the match, criticizing his side's performance as 'not good enough' as ​​the Gunners had now won just one of their last five Premier League games.

Although they are only two points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table, Sunday's defeat saw them drop to fourth place.

Bukayo Saka put the visitors ahead early in the match, but Arsenal appeared to be running out of steam, with Raul Jimenez scoring on his return from suspension before half-time, before Bobby De Cordova-Reid fired in the winner in the 60th minute.

Here, Mail Sport's Sami Mokbel and Ed Carruthers present you with their player ratings from Craven Cottage.

Fulham put a dent in Arsenal's title challenge on Sunday afternoon by beating the Gunners 2-1 at Craven Cottage

The Gunners have dropped to fourth in the Premier League but are still just two points behind Liverpool in first place

Mikel Arteta criticized his team's performance after the match, saying they were 'not good enough'

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Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Bernd Leno-7

A good save to initially prevent Gabriel Martinelli from scoring, but he fired the ball straight to Saka. Despite this, he made a number of other stops during the match.

Timothy Castagne – 7

It looked dangerous at halftime. Perhaps it was lucky that he didn't get a yellow card after a few controversial tackles.

Tosin Adarabioyo-7.5

He worked hard and kept his defense well organised. Wasn't too bothered by Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus.

Calvin Bassey-8

Physical presence in the center of the defense. It was his tackle that displaced Saka and allowed Fulham to break forward and score the equalizer.

Antonee Robinson-8

He delivered a great pass that gave Jimenez an early lead. Used his lightning pace to pose a major threat for Fulham on the left wing and also dealt well with Saka.

Joao Palhinha 8.5

It was his header back into the Arsenal penalty area that allowed Bobby De Cordova-Reid to score Fulham's second goal. A standout performance today adding to the attack and defence.

Tom Cairney8

Delivered a perfectly weighted cross that allowed Jimenez to level Fulham.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 7.5

Showed some fantastic reactions to get his goal. His movement in the penalty area was also excellent.

Calvin Bassey (R) put in an excellent defensive performance for Fulham during the match

Raul Jimenez scored the home side's opener and looked dangerous for Fulham throughout

Alex Iwobi-7

A good performance from the middle of the field. Delivered several key passes that helped Fulham get into dangerous positions.

Willian – 7.5

Despite not being on the scoresheet, the Brazilian had a few chances throughout the match and was involved in the build-up to Jimenez's opener.

Raul Jimenez 7.5

He took his goal very well and caused problems for Arsenal throughout the match.

Subs

Andreas Pereira 72' – 7

Hit the woodwork from a free kick. Added some energy to the game after it started.

Harry Wilson 80' – 7

Got into some nice positions in the Arsenal half and tested David Raya in goal.

Issa Diop 80' – 7

Solid in defense and helped Fulham control the Gunners late on.

Harrison Reed 90' – N/A

Unused subtitles: Rodak, Tete, Ballo-Toure, Muniz Lukic. Booking: Leno, Bassey, Cairney, Jimenez

Marco Silva: 8

A big result for the Portuguese manager after Fulham suffered two defeats on the rebound. His side fought back admirably and used their pace to beat Arsenal.

Alex Iwobi impressed by connecting the play nicely in the middle of the pitch with some great passing

Bobby De Cordova-Reid celebrates after scoring the home team's winner and shows great reactions to get his goal

Arsenal (4-3-3)

David Raya-6

Made several saves throughout the match but could have done better for Fulham's first goal.

Ben White-6

Fulham exploited their flank several times and White struggled with their pace.

Willem Saliba-6

Got caught in possession a number of times and looked a bit off the pace of the game.

Gabriel – 5

Not the best performance with the ball at his feet either. They failed to stop Cairney's cross that led to Fulham's equalizer.

Jacub Kiwior – 4.5

A poor defensive performance. A lack of pace really cost him and couldn't stop Jimenez from scoring.

Declan Rice – 6.5

Argued with Gabriel on the pitch and gave the ball away several times as his side hunted for an equalizer. They failed to clear the corner that led to Fulham's second.

Martin Odegaard-6

Created several chances, most notably setting up Gabriel Martinelli early on. Couldn't inspire his side to victory.

Gabriel Martinelli had a tough day at the office and failed to capitalize on a clear opportunity early on

Kai Havertz also had a quiet game despite his recent resurgence in form for the Gunners

Kai Havertz-5.5

Despite his recent resurgence in form, the German had a quiet outing and struggled to fit in with his teammates.

Bukayo Saka-6

He pounced nicely on the rebound of Martinelli's shot to score the opener, but was displaced in possession by Bassey, leading to the home side's equalizer.

Eddie Nketiah-5

Given his opportunity to play for Gabriel Jesus, the youngster also had a quiet afternoon.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5

A tough day at the office. Missed a golden chance after being set up by Odegaard to put the Gunners 2-1 but wasn't clinical enough in front of goal.

Subs

Takehiro Tomiyasu 46' – 6

It certainly slowed down Fulham's attacks down the left flank, but didn't offer too much offensively.

Leandro Trossard 67' – 6

Added some spark to Arsenal's attack and played some decent balls from the wing.

Gabriel Jesus 67' – 6

Was energetic, but largely had no impact after coming on.

Despite being given the opportunity to start ahead of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah failed to influence the game up front

Frustrations ran high between Declan Rice and Gabriel in Arsenal's defeat to Fulham

The Gunners could fall five points behind if Liverpool beat Newcastle on Monday

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Reiss Nelson – 77'

After coming on I didn't see much of the ball.

Unused subs: Ramsdale, Jesus, Smith-Rowe, Soares, Jorginho, Elneny. Booking: Saliba

Mikel Arteta: 6

I tried to change the game by bringing in Tomiyasu, Trossard and Jesus. Unfortunately, his selections didn't work. A disappointing way to end 2023 for the Gunners.

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