Arsenal did the job properly and won 3-0, but what will stay longest in the mind is a first half that genuinely felt worth remembering.
Viktor Gyokeres may have just produced his best half yet in an Arsenal shirt: two goals and an assist, plus another reminder of something we have been saying for a while now. When team-mates track his movement and the ball reaches him early enough, Arsenal instantly look more dangerous, more direct and far more alive.
Bukayo Saka had a huge say in it too. A goal, an assist and a sharp connection with Gyokeres gave Arsenal a rhythm Fulham could not live with. When those two are on the same wavelength, the attack immediately gains a different dimension.
Another strong mark was left by Skelly in midfield. He brought freshness, looked strong on his feet and showed that the role suits him seriously well. He still needs more experience and more big games in succession, but the material is clearly there.
Tonight Arsenal did what supporters have been waiting too long to see in matches like this: attack without fear, connect the right players and finish the job without drama.
The full analysis will follow once the first rush of adrenaline settles.
Author: B.