Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has four players to blame as Fulham defeat dents Premier League title hopes

Arsenal got off to the perfect start when Bukayo Saka rifled home inside the fifth minute.

But goals from Raul Jimenez and Bobby De Cordova-Reid gave Fulham all three points. GB News now takes a look at four players who let Mikel Arteta down at Craven Cottage.

Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah has talent.

But the Arsenal star can be infuriating and the Gunners need better if they're to end their wait for title glory.

Nketiah was isolated at the tip of the Gunners' attack - and they missed Gabriel Jesus, who came on in the second half.

At least the Brazil international drops deep.

But Nketiah didn't do enough to get himself into the game and Arsenal have now lost a second Premier League match in a row as a result.

Jakub Kiwior

Jakub Kiwior looked out of his depth as Arsenal slumped to defeat.

And it was no surprise to see the defender withdrawn by Arteta, with Takehiro Tomiyasu coming on in his place.

Kirior experienced a difficult day at the office and Arsenal fans were critical on social media, with one user saying: "Jakub Kiwior is just too slow to play LB. You can’t let that happen."

A second said: "Nothing about Jakub Kiwior’s game convinces me. Physically looks deficient. Isn’t what you’d call a quick and incisive passer either. Just a bit meh all round really. Nothing to write home about."

And a third stated: "Jakub Kiwior inverting a LB. Slow, slow, slow."

Declan Rice

It would be harsh to criticise Declan Rice too much given how consistent he's been for Arsenal.

Yet this performance against Fulham was a rare off day for the England international.

Rice refused to take any risks and instead kept playing safely, angering his team-mates in the process.

Gabriel even shouted at Rice at one point, with the midfielder's refusal to gamble costing his side dear.

Rice has been largely a success but can't afford for this nightmare to be repeated as Arsenal look to become champions.

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Gabriel

Gabriel has long been a solid asset for Arsenal at the back.

But he's endured a bad week and was poor as Fulham claimed all three points on Sunday afternoon.

Gabriel shouldn't have allowed the ball to come into the box for Fulham's first goal, which Jimenez duly converted.

And he also fluffed his clearance for the Cottagers' second, too.

Gabriel is a good player for Arsenal but his frailties are clear for all to see and significant improvement is needed if the north London giants are to win a first league title since 2004.