Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time FULL TIME: Arsenal 1-1 Fulham. In the end even Arsenal's 100 per cent effort wasn't enough to win this one. A spirited fight-back from a goal down, but ultimately Fulham claim a very hard-earned point.
90
VAN PERSIE FLICKS ON AT THE NEAR POST: Schwarzer saw this late - but luckily for him it's close enough to claw onto comfortably.
90
HEADED AWAY BY VAN PERSIE: Arsenal eventually get rid. This is a frenzied finish - but it looks like we're heading for a draw.
90
DJOUROU GETS IT AWAY: He's a candidate for Arsenal's man of the match. Corner to Fulham.
90
IT MATERIALISES TO NOTHING: Fulham break down the other end and have themselves a free-kick in a very dangerous position out wide. The big men go forward.
90
LATE CORNER FOR ARSENAL! What can they do from this?
89
TIME IS RUNNING OUT: Is there a final twist in the tail at Emirates Stadium? The home side really are giving it everything. Even the kitchen sink has been and gone.
87
THRILLING END TO THIS MATCH: It's all Arsenal, there's no two ways about it. Fulham have everything back.
87
HANDBALL! SURELY? But no! The referee says no penalty!
85
VAN PERSIE CHIPS WIDE: The Dutchman is played in on goal but dinks a poor effort just wide of the mark. A huge push in the final five minutes from Arsenal.
84
WALCOTT TRIES ONE: Like his predecessor, the winger's end product is weak.
84
GERVINHO TESTS SCHWARZER: The Ivorian has been a welcome addition going forward, as fully expected. His final effort on this occasion is not troubling the Australian too much, though.
83
THE EMIRATES IS BOUNCING: They're willing their team all the way now. Arsenal have the impetus to go on and win this game.
82
ARSENAL ARE BACK LEVEL! Walcott was the architect once more, flighting a delightful ball which Vermaelen heads home. That's a goal at either end for the Belgian.
82
GOAL! - Thomas Vermaelen 1 : 1 THEY'VE DONE IT! THOMAS VERMAELEN HAS HIS GOAL!
Top Comments:
ilovebryanhaha on Twitter says:
Vermaelen zero to hero! What a goal by a defender. What on earth was he doing there anyways?
81
GREAT CHANCE VAN PERSIE! It's fine work from Gervinho who finds Santos. He chips it into the box, Hangeland can't get enough on it and Van Persie blazes over in a great position inside the box. That could have been the one.
79
FRANTIC FINAL 10 MINUTES: This one is far from over. Arsenal are desperately hunting for an opening.
79
Substitution ZAMORA COMES OFF: The striker has enjoyed a solid game as the lone man for Fulham. Andy Johnson takes his place.
77
VAN PERSIE CURLS WIDE: It looked closer than it was from here, but the striker's free-kick sails wide of the mark.
76
Yellow Card SENDEROS SEES YELLOW: He brings down Van Persie 25 yards out and Arsenal have a free-kick.
76
Substitution IT'S ARSHAVIN OFF: On comes Chamakh. All the aces played by the boss now.
75
Substitution FULHAM LINING UP A CHANGE: On comes Patjim Kasami in place of Bryan Ruiz.
75
CHAMAKH WILL COME ON: Big chance for the Moroccan to show just what he can do.
74
VITAL SAVE FROM SCHWARZER: How has that not gone in? It's Djourou with the header from a corner, but the Australian leaps to his right and palms away.
73
FULHAM SITTING DEEP: They've got a lead and they want to protect it. Diaby is looking lively as Walcott wins a corner.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It's going to be all Arsenal pressure now for the last 16-17 minutes. Fulham will just sit back and try to absorb the pressure
72
ARSENAL HAVE WORK TO DO: In an open game this really could have gone either way and it's Fulham who have taken the lead. The Gunners need a spark from somewhere, fast.
70
DIABY HAS A GO: On his comeback to the Premier League the Frenchman strikes one from range but can't direct it on target.
68
Substitution WHAT CAN GERVINHO DO? This is as good a moment as ever to stamp your mark on a game.
68
Substitution DOUBLE CHANGE FOR ARSENAL: It's Ramsey and Mertesacker off, Abou Diaby and Gervinho on in an attacking move from Wenger
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It's a change of players but not tactics. Arshavin in playing in that Ramsey role just behind Van Persie
67
FULHAM FANS HAVE PERKED UP: After sitting silent for almost 70 minutes they've finally managed to find their voices.
66
VERMAELEN PUTS IT INTO HIS OWN NET: It's the visitors who have it. John Arne Riise harries inside the box and gets the credit from the announcer - but this was a clear own goal. How can Arsenal reply?
Top Comments:
jimthegooner j on Twitter says:
Calm down everyone, its a game of football, plenty of time left.
65
GOAL! - Thomas Vermaelen 0 : 1 FULHAM HAVE FOUND THE BREAKTHROUGH! It's disastrous for Arsenal, they haven't deserved this. It's an own goal.
64
THE GAME'S OPENED RIGHT UP: It's end-to-end stuff now. There's space galore but neither side can find the right opening just yet. There's a goal somewhere.
63
CAN GERVINHO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE? He's not been called to the bench yet but surely it can only be a matter of time.
62
GREAT BLOCK MERTESACKER: Fulham look lively going forward once more as this time Clint Dempsey sees his shot well-blocked by the German.
61
VAN PERSIE GOES DOWN! He wants a penalty as he goes down under a challenge into the box - but he's not getting it. In truth, there didn't look too much in that from here.
60
OFF THE LINE FROM BAIRD! Van Persie picks up the ball just inside jinks inside and shoots. Everybody inside the ground is waiting for the net to ripple - but it never comes as Baird gets his body in the way brilliantly. It really could have gone anywhere after hitting him.
Top Comments:
SKLee on Twitter says:
Arteta and RVP did everything right, but the captain's shot was cleared off the line.
59
TWEET YOUR THOUGHTS: As ever, use the #ArsenalLive hashtag to get whatever's on your mind off your chest.
59
GET IN TOUCH VIA E-MAIL: Contact our commentary team of Dan Roebuck and Martin Hayes at studio@arsenal.co.uk
58
DJOUROU BLOCKS ONCE MORE: Dembele is threatens once more but his powerful cross is thwarted by the Swiss defender.
57
SUBS ARE WARMING UP: Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh are down on the near touchline hoping for some match action. How long will the boss leave it?
56
RUIZ AND ZAMORA LOOK TO LINK UP: It's near inside the box from the front men, but ultimately Arsenal get a foot in and clear to safety. Fulham looking useful.
55
BUT THE SECOND BALL IS FULHAM'S: It's curled back into the box towards the back post, but a lurking Dempsey can't get anything on it.
55
DEMBELE LOOKING LIVELY: The Belgian has been a menace throughout this clash for Fulham. This time he wins a corner, which comes to nothing as Djourou heads away brilliantly.
53
IT'S AWAY ONCE MORE: The first go is aimed at the near post for Vermaelen, but Fulham get rid again. Possession is lost eventually when Arshavin can't quite beat Baird on the left.
53
SANTOS WINS A CORNER: The full-back steals possession, drives forward, jinks and sees his eventual shot blocked for another set-piece.
51
BRIGHT START FROM ARSENAL: They've come out of the traps quickly in the second half. Still no breakthrough, but they look more than capable of fashioning an opportunity.
49
DJOUROU IS ENJOYING HIMSELF: The right-back is having an excellent game just behind Walcott this evening. Steady, composed and showing some nice touches.
48
CONFUSION IN THE FULHAM BOX! It's put into the box from Walcott, and both Senderos and Schwarzer go for the same ball. In the end it's hacked away and Fulham clear their lines.
46
EARLY MOVE BREAKS DOWN: It finished with Ramsey, who tries a little pirouette inside the box. It doesn't come off and Fulham get the goal-kick.
46
AND WE'RE OFF AGAIN: Arsenal get proceedings back underway. Can they take control in the second half?
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have got to get back in the groove and create some early chances. We’ve got to get the momentum up
45
CRACKING STAT: Here's one for you. According to ESPN, this is the first time since September 2005 that Arsene Wenger has not named a Frenchman in his starting line-up.
Half Time HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Fulham. Even stevens here at Emirates Stadium. There have been chances for both sides, but going in level is probably the right outcome for the half.
Top Comments:
OlaAyobami on Twitter says:
We can't afford a draw or even a loss at the emirate tonight, we should be fighting for all points, let's do it in 2nd half
45
MERTESACKER GOES SO CLOSE! The resulting free-kick is glanced on by the German, who sees his header drop just wide of the mark.
45
Yellow Card ETUHU GOES IN THE BOOK: It's a strong tackle on Arteta, who goes down. Perhaps a little harsh.
45
ONE MINUTES ADDED ON: In a fairly uneventful half, you can't really argue with that.
44
LOVELY BALL FROM WALCOTT: It's a great cross, whipped in from the winger. It's Ramsey who tries to attack the ball, but he can't get anything on it and it sails out for a throw.
Top Comments:
mingrenwilliam on Twitter says:
Walcott so far so good. 1 on 1 has been good, crosses even better!
43
FULHAM ENDING THE HALF STRONGLY: They've peppered the Arsenal goal with a couple of late attempts this half. Hangeland is an obvious source of danger in the air.
42
BRILLIANT SAVE SZCZESNY! Demebele strides into the box and cracks a powerful left-footed drive goalwards, which Szczesny gets two hands to and beats away superbly.
Top Comments:
ichanishka on Twitter says:
Amazing shows of individual skills from Arsenal! Rambo, Theo, Santos, Szczesny..."one man team?" Yeah right!
41
NO SPACE FOR VAN PERSIE SO FAR: Fulham are doing a solid job on the danger man, to their full credit.
Top Comments:
stanofid on Twitter says:
40 min of play & Van Persie hasn't scored yet? Well, I'd say he is suffering a crisis in form
40
GOOD WORK FROM ARSHAVIN: He's done his part this half, particularly for his defensive work. He knows he's had to sharpen up that aspect of his game.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
I'd like to have seen him run with the ball a little bit more and use his pace
39
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38
FULHAM SHOWING GLIMPSES: As we predicted at the start, Fulham have not come here to roll over and settle for the draw. Things are tight all over the park but the Cottagers have shown flashes that they could be potent going forward.
36
ARSENAL JUST NEED TO BE PATIENT: In fairness to them, they are so far. They know their build-up play has to be something of a waiting game.
Top Comments:
mikez0r on Twitter says:
so many scoring opportunities...the floodgates will open soon.
34
TRIO LINK UP: That really could have ended so well for Arsenal. Walcott dinks one to the back post for Van Persie, who, instead of shooting, nods the ball back to Arshavin. It's just behind the Russian, however, and his hooked effort is tame.
34
HANGELAND HEADS WIDE: The powerful defender is a known threat from corners. He rises highest and nods just past the post as Szczesny watches it out.
33
DEMBELE GOES CLOSE! Arsenal are lucky the Belgian's shot took a deflection to make it bounce just wide of the mark.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
You can’t afford to give people time and space like that on the edge of the box. This is maybe one area where Fulham have some big players.
33
GET IN TOUCH: Send your thoughts to Dan Roebuck and Martin Hayes on the commentary via e-mail at studio@arsenal.co.uk
32
ANOTHER CORNER WASTED: The ball's poor from Van Persie on this one and Zamor heads clear. It was Walcott who won it once more.
29
ANOTHER GOOD RUN FROM THEO: The winger is picking up where he left off from his last match, getting to the byline once more. His cross is headed away by Hangeland.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
I still think Theo is going to be a big asset down that right side against Riise. The more Theo keeps it up the more Riise is going to tire
28
Yellow Card ZAMORA GOES INTO THE BOOK: The England man talks himself in the referee's bad books and picks up a yellow.
28
Yellow Card SANTOS SEES YELLOW: The Brazilian is booked for a rather cynical challenge. Fair booking.
27
A SERIES OF CORNERS FOR ARSENAL: There's so many big men involved in this game, but Arsenal just haven't threatened from their set-piece opportunities just yet.
Top Comments:
Bright906 on Twitter says:
I don't like RVP taking corners. He's a goal scorer, should be in the box
26
WALCOTT WINS THE CORNER: It's great work from Djourou, who cuts inside his man and plays in the winger. His shot on the angle is swerving but straight at Schwarzer.
24
GREAT CHANCE FOR RAMSEY! Theo Walcott races from the halfway line, beating two men to get his pass away to Ramsey. The Welshman hacks at the resulting strike, sending it way over the bar. A really good opportunity for the opener.
Top Comments:
ddebaydgunners on Twitter says:
Theo is just amazing to watch...that was a moment of brilliance...
22
MURPHY BRINGS DOWN VAN PERSIE: He's not happy about it, but it looked like a foul from here. Nothing too much in it.
21
CLOSE FROM ZAMORA: The burly striker looks to burst into the box before lashing just over Szczesny's goal frame.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Fulham are definitely looking to slow it down and kill the game. They are looking for any chance they can to get it to Zamora so he can use his pace and strength
20
WALCOTT HAS A GO: The England man darts down the right, cuts inside and sees his eventual shot blocked by Hangeland. Probably the first chance he's had to run at Riise.
18
CROSS GOES ASTRAY: Ramsey looks to pick out Van Persie in the box but his attempted cross is troubling nobody. Arsenal just need a little breakthrough.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
I'd have liked for him to drive forward another five or ten yards then drive it across the face of the goal
17
BATTLE FOR SPACE: Things are tight at the moment and there's not too much football going on in the final thirds at either end.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Everyone is playing in the middle third – which means you've got 20 players in there. Nobody has more than three yards of space, so it’s getting a bit chippy.
15
RAMSEY LETS FLY: The 20-year-old strides forward and unleashes one from range, but it's way over in the end.
15
IT'S TOWARDS DJOUROU: The Swiss defender is up for it but Schwarzer gathers at the second time of asking.
14
VAN PERSIE WINS THE CORNER: The Dutchman sprints down the left and wins the set-piece off Chris Baird.
13
TIGHT MARKING ON ROBIN: It's hardly surprising, but Fulham are putting two men on Van Persie when they can. They don't want to be on the end of another one.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Everything is going for Robin van Persie. He’s just in that vein of form where he’s putting everything away. We’ve just got to make sure complacency doesn’t creep in and everyone just steps back and thinks ‘it’s alright he’s going to score all the goals.’
12
SANTOS SEEKS OUT VAN PERSIE: The Brazilian's cross is aimed in the direction of the prolific Dutchman - but Hangeland rises highest to get enough on the ball.
12
THE TEMPO'S QUICK: It looks like we're set for an enjoyable game. Both sides are getting the ball down early and Arsenal are quick in possession.
Top Comments:
razi_amir on Twitter says:
Good pace to the game already -- get behind Fulham defence twice in the opening 10 minutes
10
DEMPSEY IS FOULED: There's a tangle of legs between the American and Djourou on the halfway line, and Fulham win the free-kick.
8
CORNER COMES TO NOTHING: It's a disappointing ball from Arteta and Schwarzer can hold on easily.
7
RAMSEY GOES CLOSE! This is a really good Arsenal move. It's Van Persie to Ramsey on the edge of the box. The Welshman drives towards goal and tries to dink one past Schwarzer - but the Australian keeper gets enough on it to push away for a corner.
6
BRILLIANT BLOCK FROM DJOUROU: Dempsey receives the ball in the box and strikes one at goal - but Arsenal's right-back throws himself in the way to block brilliantly.
4
ARSHAVIN PUTS IT IN! But he's offside! A lovely one-two between him and Van Persie - but replays show he strayed just off. Encouraging early signs from the winger.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Arshavin has started the first four minutes in a determined mood
3
ANDREY STRETCHES HIS LEGS: The little Russian glides down the wing, cuts inside and looks for Van Persie - but his cross is cut out at the back. All Arsenal so far.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arshavin is the big threat from the left-hand side at the moment
2
LONGSLEEVES OUT TONIGHT: Nobody's getting caught in a short-sleeved number this evening. Andrey Arshavin even sporting a pair of gloves for the occasion.
1
FULHAM LOOKING FOR THEIR FIRST WIN AT ARSENAL: It's a record that stretches back as far as history goes. Fulham have never beat Arsenal on their own turf in any competition.
1
FULHAM GET US UNDERWAY: We're off here at the Emirates. Game on.
BUT THEY'LL STRUGGLE TO BEAT DORTMUND: Nope, they're not bouncing up and down in unison just yet...
FULHAM END PACKED OUT: It's a short trip for the Cottagers, and it's no surprise to see their end full for this one. Outside of London they do struggle for away attendances...
AND HERE THEY COME: Arsenal lead as ever by Robin van Persie, Fulham by former Liverpool man Danny Murphy.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Fulham have never won at Emirates -- or at Highbury
TEAMS ARE IN THE TUNNEL: We're just minutes away from kick-off here at Emirates Stadium. How are we all feeling? #ArsenalLive your thoughts on Twitter.
CAN ANDREY TAKE HIS CHANCE? It's a big opportunity for the Russian to show what he can do. By his own admissions he's not quite been at his best this year - this is his shot.
Top Comments:
rspeller on Twitter says:
Good to see Arshavin playing today. Still think he is arguably the most naturally talented player we have
RichWrightFirth on Twitter says:
Good call on Gervinho on the bench. Give him 20 min at the end. Fresh legs v tired legs. He needs to build shooting confidence
THE WONDER OF YOU: It's that time again and we're 10 minutes away from kick-off. Elvis' croons reverberate around a confident Emirates Stadium.
CONTACT THE TEAM: It's Dan Roebuck and former Gunner Martin Hayes in the commentary box for this evening's game. Get in touch with them at studio@arsenal.co.uk
FULHAM NOT SHYING FROM A FIGHT: We've seen numerous teams come to Emirates Stadium looking for a draw. Fulham do not look like one of these teams. Ruiz, Zamora, Dempsey and Dembele all have the capabilities to cause problems.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Zamora is a handful for any centre half but if Fulham only play one up front it will be easy for Arsenal. If they play two they will target Mertesacker and will be more dangerous
WHO CAN STOP ROBIN? Pick a stat, any one at the moment. They all point to a ridiculous scoring spree. The Dutchman is looking for his sixth scoring game in the Premier League.
IT'S NOT MUCH BETTER AT HOME: Fulham have won just two games all season - one apiece at home and away. The home victory was a 6-0 demolition of QPR, however.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Fulham has got good experienced players. Not the youngest or most mobile, but good experienced players. They are just not scoring enough goals. But they have good forwards who can score and that makes them dangerous.
FULHAM HAVE STRUGGLED: It's not been the brightest of starts for Martin Jol and his side so far this campaign. Their dreadful away run has continued, with just one win on the road all season.
ARSENAL LOOKING FOR NUMBER SIX: Can Fulham halt this run? Arsene Wenger's side have recorded five straight Premier League wins. Another would take them up a place to sixth.
Top Comments:
JohanNyman on Twitter says:
Buzzing for the game. So much at stake, as always. Will be interesting to see Arshavin start. Big shoes to fill.
Get in touch via Twitter. Remember, as ever you can have your say on all this evening's action with the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
SUBSTITUES: Etheridge, Briggs, Hughes, Gecov, Frei, Kasami, Johnson.
FULHAM: Schwarzer, Baird, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise, Murphy (c), Etuhu, Dempsey, Dembele, Ruiz, Zamora.
Top Comments:
Hadeyparty on Twitter says:
Our defence should watch out for Bryan Ruiz
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Koscielny, Diaby, Frimpong, Benayoun, Gervinho, Chamakh.
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Arshavin, Walcott, Van Persie (c).
TEAM NEWS: Andrey Arshavin starts only his sixth Premier League fixture of the season, replacing Gervinho. Johan Djourou is in for Laurent Koscielny at right-back.
Top Comments:
4DaveK4 on Twitter says:
Personally would have preferred to give Koscielny another game at RB just for a bit of consistency, Arshavin's big chance today
We also welcome our Facebook audience for this afternoon's clash. You can keep up to speed with all the action and 'take your seat' in our MatchDay Live app.
Today's match is our dedicated charity fixture of the season. Save the Children is this season's charity of choice. You can donate via Facebook at Save the Children UK or on Twitter at @savechildrenuk.
Good afternoon and welcome to Emirates Stadium, where Fulham are today's visitors in the Premier League.
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
20 DJOUROU, Johan
04 MERTESACKER, Per
27 GERVINHO (68)
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
11 SANTOS, Andre
25 SONG, Alex
08 ARTETA, Mikel
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
02 DIABY, Abou (68)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
23 ARSHAVIN, Andrey
29 CHAMAKH, Marouane (76)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
06 KOSCIELNY, LAURENT
12 FRIMPONG, EMMANUEL
02 DIABY, ABOU
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
27 GERVINHO,
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Fulham
01 SCHWARZER, Mark
06 BAIRD, Chris
05 HANGELAND, Brede
04 SENDEROS, Philippe
03 ARNE RIISE, John
13 MURPHY, Danny
18 ETUHU, Dickson
02 DEMPSEY, Clinton
30 DEMBELE, Moussa
11 RUIZ, Bryan
08 KASAMI, Pajtim (75)
25 ZAMORA, Bobby
JOHNSON, Andy (79)
38 ETHERIDGE, NEIL
17 BRIGGS, MATTHEW
18 HUGHES, AARON
15 GECOV, MARCEL
25 FREI, KERIM
08 KASAMI, PAJTIM
JOHNSON, ANDY
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
You still feel you are going to get another chance or two. Just don't panic, don't rush it