Arsenal went into this match at the Emirates in very good run of form in the league. Having lost 3-2 to spurs in November, they had beaten Aston Villa and Wigan with ease. No Fabregas today, he is still recovering from an ankle injury. Fulham on the other hand were in a very dangerous position, just two points above Wigan and the relegation zone. They were bolstered by the news that Schwarzer has signed a contract extension, they will need a goalie of his experience and quality if they are to survive this season.
Fulham needed Schwarzer early on as Wilshere’s cross was headed up in the air fell for Arshavin in the box, but it was saved well by Schwarzer’s legs. Arsenal quickly had a second chance when Chamakh’s knock-on made to Arshavin who slipped the ball to Nasri only for his weak finish to roll past the post. Nasri made up for this just a minute later when Arshavin nicked the ball off Hughes, played the ball to nasri who then dribbled past three players before smashing the ball home. The Fulham left-back Briggs was substituted after just 30 minutes after he was being consistently torn apart by Nasri. There were more chances for Arsenal as they dominated the first half. But in true Arseanal fashion their defense collapsed with ease. The two Arsenal center halves, Squillaci and Koscielny, collided with each other on the edge of the Arsenal box allowing Dempsey to play a through-ball to Kamara to calmly slot home. That was the last action of the match as Koscielny left the field of play on a stretcher. It was later revealed that he had suffered a concussion so it will be a mandatory three weeks out for the Frenchman.The second half was still Arsenal as they kept creating chances. Rosicky send the ball a yard wide of Schwarzer’s far post after some good build-up. Arshavin’s shot was saved at the near post after a mazy run by the Russian into the box. Etuhu then sent his header well wide after being found unmarked in the box form Davies free kick. Fulham were some more chances as the half progressed. Van Persie was forced to clear off the line after Fabianski completely missed the out swinging free kick from Davies. Gera then had a bicycle kick sent wide form inside the box. Nasri then scored less than a minute later after being played one-on-one with Schwarzer before showing incredible balance to dodge past the goalie turn and curl the ball in from the tightest of angles with his right foot. Fulham pushed on for an equalizer and it took a brilliant save form Fabianski to deny Gera from his vicious half volley from the edge of the box. Arsenal held on to record an edgy win over their rivals and put them top of the table for the first time since March.
Arsenal’s passing and movement were very impressive at times but their defense is still poor. Until Vermaelen returns and they get another top quality center back as well as a reliable goalkeeper, they will not win the league. But this win will make bookies rethink their odds after Chelsea slipped up yet again and United’s game a Blackpool being postponed by a frozen pitch helped Arsenal go top.
