The game was between the top flight’s two youngest managers Mikel Arteta and Scott Parker, who are taking charge of their first full Premier League campaigns.
Former Chelsea man Willian provided glimpses of how crucial he could be for Arsenal this season as he had a hand in all three goals.
It took the visitors just eight minutes to open the scoring in the new Premier League season as Alexandre Lacazette stabbed home the loose ball after Willian’s effort had been saved by Marek Rodak.
Willian nearly found the back of the net on his debut for the Gunners but his free kick just outside the penalty box struck the base of Rodak’s right post in the 27th minute.
Arteta’s men doubled their advantage four minutes after the break when two debutants combined. Willian’s ball in from Arsenal’s first corner of the game was headed in by an unmarked Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal reproduced a carbon copy of their opening goal against Liverpool in the Community Shield a fortnight ago, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was once again the beneficiary as he beautifully chested down Willian’s cross before curling a beauty into the far corner in the 57th minute.
Arsenal will host West Ham United in their next game on September 19 while Fulham will travel to Leeds United.