Extended highlights from Craven Cottage
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Full Time FULHAM 2-1 ARSENAL: It's that sinking feeling for Arsenal again, as Fulham prove frustrators once more. Did the red card change things completely? Either way, it's defeat for Arsenal. Fulham, to their credit, deserve it.
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REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle, where Tim Peters and Martin Hayes will take your calls in the studio. CALL +44 (0) 207 607 3200 or E-MAIL studio@arsenal.co.uk.
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OH NO, ARSENAL! The ball drops to the England man inside the area, who makes no mistake with his eventual volley. Game over.
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GOAL! - Bobby Zamora 2 : 1 DISASTER FOR ARSENAL! ZAMORA WINS IT LATE.
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THREE MINUTES ADDED ON: Arsenal are desperate for a final whistle. Riise strikes one wide but it's not troubling Szczesny.
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ROSICKY WASTEFUL: The midfielder begins a promising move, but ends it too with a wayward effort on goal. That could have been a real opening.
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CAN ARSENAL NICK A WINNER? It looks unlikely, but so it did at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.
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FULHAM SENSE ANOTHER: They have their equaliser and can smell a second in the air. Two minutes and counting.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
We look tired and haven't had a lot of energy this half
87
FORMER GUNNERS COMBINE: Both Sidwell and Senderos were once on the books under Wenger. Their headers proved decisive there.
85
IT'S BEEN COMING: You can't say it hasn't, to be fair. The corner comes in, Szczesny can only get a fingertip on it, Senderos heads it back across goal and Sidwell is the man at the back post. Heartbreak for Arsenal.
Top Comments:
HazMan7 on Twitter says:
Arsenal players look knackered, need more depth in the squad. Van Persie is running on empty, needs a rest before we injure him
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GOAL! - Steve Sidwell 1 : 1 SIDWELL HEADS HOME!
Top Comments:
adilraza1983 on Twitter says:
Their goal was coming,Craven Cottage is never an easy place to come.
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DESPERATE TIMES: It's backs to the wall stuff now for Arsenal. They have seven minutes to see this game out for what would be an incredibly hard-fought victory.
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STAY ONLINE: After the final whistle, Tim Peters and Martin Hayes will take your calls in the studio. CALL +44 (0) 207 607 3200 or E-MAIL studio@arsenal.co.uk.
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Substitution SQUILLACI IS ON: Wenger is looking to shore up his backline as the French defender replaces the impressive Ramsey.
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ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST: When will this full-back crisis end? That'll be a one-match ban for Djourou now. Arsenal will only be focused on getting through this one first, though.
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THE WALL HOLDS OUT: It's Stephen Kelly with the free-kick, but it's blocked for a corner.
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THAT'S CLOSE TO BEING A PENALTY: The Swiss defender is shown his marching orders for pulling down a Fulham man on the edge of the box.
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Red Card HE'S OFF! DJOUROU IS SHOWN A SECOND YELLOW!
Top Comments:
jackthelad23 on Twitter says:
I have no words for Djourou. It was a harsh red but if he could stay in position he'd of had no reason to make that tackle.
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QUIET FROM RVP TODAY: He can't do it ever match of course, as much as you'd expect him to now. Stockdale hasn't really had to face the Dutchman yet today.
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HANG ON ARSENAL: It's not been the most comfortable of halves by any stretch - but the Gunners still lead. Just under 15 minutes to play.
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WHAT A SAVE, WOJCIECH! How did that not go in? Just as the whole ground expected the net to bulge, the Pole saves Ruiz's powerful drive with his legs. That could well be vital.
Top Comments:
Vanstrider17 on Twitter says:
we need another goal to prevent a Gooner somewhere in this world from getting a heart attack!
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Substitution BENAYOUN COMES ON: It's Gervinho off for Arsenal.
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ARSENAL GET IT CLEAR: There's more nervy times as Fulham play their way across goal, but Mikel Arteta is the man who eventually squeezes the ball away.
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GERVINHO GOES FOR GOAL: The Ivorian works himself into a good position on the edge of the box, but skews his effort wide. That one was troubling the corner flag more than Stockdale.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal looking better over the last few minutes, a bit brighter. Rosicky has made a difference since he came on.
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Substitution OFF COMES MURPHY: He's replaced by Swiss international Kerim Frei.
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DANGEROUS TIMES: Arsenal have let their foot off the pedal for the majority of this second half. So far they haven't been made to pay but Fulham look threatening.
Top Comments:
SegunSopitan on Twitter says:
Arsenal midfield getting a bit porous! Dembele and Sidwell winning a lot of the battles!
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DEMPSEY JUST WIDE: Ruiz finds the American inside the box and he heads just wide. That was so close, Fulham's best chance of the half. He'll feel he should have drawn his side level there.
Top Comments:
phhilchchow on Twitter says:
Clint Dempsey just rose about Mount Per. How is that even possible?
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Substitution ON COME ROSICKY: It's Walcott coming off, who in fairness hasn't enjoyed his best game.
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SENDEROS GOES CLOSE! It's a lovely ball in from Murphy, and, with Szczesny stranded, the former Arsenal man heads just over. That could have proved costly.
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Yellow Card POOR CHALLENGE FROM DJOUROU: He goes in late on Dembele and picks up a yellow for his troubles.
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GOOD FROM PER: It's another long throw from Riise but the German clears well.
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DEMBELE HAS A GO: The lively Belgian has a crack from 20 yards out but puts his shot just wide of the mark. Fulham have their tails up.
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SIDWELL STRIKES OVER: The free-kick is played short to the former Chelsea man, who hits a rasping drive narrowly over the crossbar.
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UNLUCKY COQUELIN: The youngster tries to link up with Gervinho down the left but is thwarted before he can get a cross away. Van Persie eventually goes down inside the box but there's nothing in it.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Coquelin being a right-footer has only got down the left flank once, and that is something Arsenal have been missing in this game
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ARSENAL COULD DO WITH A SECOND: A one-goal lead is never comfortable, as we all know. No sign of one coming at the moment.
Top Comments:
relaytweet75 on Twitter says:
Fulham is pressuring on Arsenal for a tie, yet the Gunners can't make a threat for 2nd goal. Not cool.
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RAMSEY INVOLVED AGAIN: He's been involved in much of what's been good about Arsenal today. This time he looks for Van Persie, but the ball finds its way to Stockdale.
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WALCOTT LOOKS FOR RVP: It's Arsenal's first foray forward of the second half but it's cut out before it can really get going. Walcott looks for his captain inside the box but sees his cross cut out by Hangeland.
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HAVE YOUR SAY ON TWITTER: #ArsenalLive us your thoughts on the game.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Seven minutes into the second half – it hasn't been ALL Fulham but they have a very attacking mindset
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E-MAIL THE TEAM: Dan Roebuck and Chris Harris are on hand to take your thoughts in the commentary box. Reach them at studio@arsenal.co.uk.
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COQUELIN DOES WELL: Riise curls a cross in towards the head of Sidwell, who eventually nods over under pressure from the stand-in left back. He's hurt in the process, but it looks as though he'll be fine.
Top Comments:
dexpapi on Twitter says:
Who woulda thought FRANCIS COQUELIN is actually a right-footed central midfielder covering at Left back?? Impressive!!
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ARSENAL CONTENT TO SIT TIGHT? Or so it seems. They're stroking it around the back four very casually. Fulham, on the other hand, are intent on pressing hard.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
It’ll be interesting to see how the fatigue factor comes into play. A lot of the Arsenal players put in 90 minutes against QPR
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FULHAM BEGIN BRIGHTLY: We're only two minutes in, I know. But the hosts have responded well after the break, Ruiz calling Szczesny into action with a snapshot on the edge of the box.
Top Comments:
itsyourboufemi on Twitter says:
Need to watch out for Dembele, Demspey and Ruiz they dangerous
Kick Off AND THEY'RE OFF AGAIN: Fulham start off the action once more. Arsene Wenger has only just made the second half, jogging the full length of the pitch back to his technical area.
Top Comments:
JHollamby on Twitter says:
Another goal is needed early in the second half! If not Fulham will grow in confidence and could trouble us
LeslieVee on Twitter says:
Watching Wenger run across the pitch just made my day!
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THE TEAMS ARE BACK OUT: We'll be back underway at Craven Cottage shortly.
Half Time ARSENAL GO IN AHEAD: It's been an enjoyable game here at a chilly Craven Cottage. Arsenal have had the better of the half and deserve their lead. Laurent Koscielny's first goal of the season is the difference.
Top Comments:
jackmuir14 on Twitter says:
Great one touch passing movement in that half of football, like the arsenal of old
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ONE MINUTE ADDED ON: Just 60 seconds left of the half, as Ramsey pulls a good stop from Stockdale. The young midfielder has been excellent this half.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Ramsey has been outstanding, great energy and Fulham don’t have an answer for him. My man of the match so far
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DJOUROU DOES WELL TO CLEAR: Dempsey is looming inside the area but the right back averts danger with a decent clearance.
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ROBIN JUST OFFSIDE: Gervinho does well to burst through the middle and seek out his team-mate - but the Dutchman is narrowly off.
Top Comments:
scratchysmurf on Twitter says:
@Persie_Official showing ridiculous levels of skill again today- a moment for kos though, he's been incredible this season
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ENTERTAINING HALF SO FAR: Thankfully it's Arsenal who have the lead, but Fulham have offered more than their fair share of thrills to this match.
Top Comments:
ObumOsigwe on Twitter says:
IMO this is one of our best games this season. Our movement have been awesome and breathtaking
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HOME CROWD ARE LIFTED: Their side have enjoyed a lively 10-minute spell without really threatening. Zamora flicks a header wide to get them on their feet once more.
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RIISE HURLS ONE IN: The Norweigan's handy attribute sees the ball thrown in towards Hangeland, but Koscielny is there to head clear. What a season he's having so far.
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THEO CRACKS ONE OVER: The winger's strike is greeted by sarcastic cheers as it sails over the bar. Fair enough.
Top Comments:
JuanRaderBas on Twitter says:
Walcott just needs to play and not force his glory. Just love the football, man. I'm big Theo fan. Just needs to play.
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DANGER FROM DEMPSEY: The American looks to play in a team-mate through the middle but puts his effort wide of the target. Fulham have looked good in flashes going forward.
Top Comments:
GoonerCee on Twitter says:
That Bobby Zamora has got me anxious, keeps sniffing around goal and using his strength, we need another goal quick-aclock!
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DAISY CUTTER FROM ROBIN: The Dutchman picks up a bouncing ball inside the box and scuffs his eventual strike to Stockdale. We'll forgive him, right?
Top Comments:
ElCapitan_Mayor on Twitter says:
Great game Gunners, Great game... Even the defense is working forward. The Game is fast and perfect, we just need goals.
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FULHAM CRY FOR A PENALTY! Ruiz goes down under a challenge from Song - and replays suggest the Fulham man had a big case there. Arsenal get away with it.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
I thought it was penalty when i first saw it and i still think it was a penalty. It should have been corner not a goal kick.
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FINE WORK FROM COQUELIN: The youngster makes a mockery of Ruiz down the left, squaring for Van Persie who draws a good save from Stockdale.
Top Comments:
ColinMJenkins on Twitter says:
Coquelin really is performing the Flamini role admirably!
dan_beddard on Twitter says:
I've got high hopes for Coquelin, looks like he could be a quality player in a few years
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SO CLOSE FROM RUIZ: The Costa Rican weaves his way towards goal before clipping a powerful left-footed effort wide of the target. Szczesny looked stranded there.
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VAN PERSIE SHOT BLOCKED: It's nicely done by Arsenal and the striker sees his eventual effort cannon out of play for a throw. The visitors are confident going forward.
Top Comments:
cheeranjeet on Twitter says:
Wonderful play by Song. He dribbled a few, passed a few in a skillful build up that didn't bear fruit but looked fantastic
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HANGELAND CALLED INTO ACTION: Walcott forces the ball across goal from the right, but the cross is weak and the defender sweeps up well.
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SZCZESNY HOLDS ON WELL: Murphy's corner is flung in towards a sea of bodies but it's the Arsenal keeper in there to grab hold of the ball.
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'HE SCORES WHEN HE WANTS', comes the chant from the away following. No, really.
Top Comments:
pjvanrooyan on Twitter says:
Laurent Koscielny = Arsenal's unsung hero of the season
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THAT'S WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED: Arsenal have made their chance pay and have the vital lead. The first goal was always going to be crucial against a very well-organised side.
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IT'S IN! SURELY? NO! A mad goalmouth scramble almost crafts a second for Arsenal. Stockdale saves brilliantly from Ramsey, before the keeper is called into action again from his own player, Sidwell. Madness in the Fulham area.
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THAT WAS ALL TOO EASY: Fulham left the Frenchman unmarked and were left to pay. Ramsey's cross was deflected into the path of the defender, who nodded home past a helpless Stockdale.
Top Comments:
ArsenalFanZA on Twitter says:
Koscielny has grown so much as a player since he joined Arsenal,good goal on you mate!
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GOAL! - Laurent Koscielny 0 : 1 IT'S THERE! KOSCIELNY GRABS HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON!
Top Comments:
lieenvo on Twitter says:
BEAUTIFUL CROSS, beautiful team play and beautiful finish! 1-0 to the Gunners!
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SAFE HANDS SZCZESNY: Djourou's awkward header back to his keeper almost threatens to sell the Pole short but he gathers well under pressure from Dempsey.
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JOIN US ON TWITTER: #ArsenalLive your thoughts and we'll publish a selection here.
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FULHAM THROW: Djourou marshalls out Riise and the hosts wins chance to get the ball into the box. Mertesacker is there to win the ball excellently, however.
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ARSENAL NEED TO SETTLE: They haven't been able to stretch their legs and spray the ball around too much yet, relying more on a quick break away. Nothing wrong with that of course, as Gervinho almost capitalises again.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Another very promising position.Gervinho just needed to have the end product.
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HANGELAND NODS OVER: He's such a threat from set-pieces. The powerful defender rises highest from a free-kick but heads over the bar. An obvious source of danger for the home side.
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GERVINHO GOES DOWN: It's a dubious one inside the box. Fulham criminally give possession away to Van Persie, and the striker feeds Gervinho. He's stopped in his tracks quickly before he can get the shot away.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Poor defending from Fulham and Van Persie sent Gervinho on his way. Gervinho put himself in a good position again
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SONG GETS A TALKING TO: He was pulled up for a poor challenge on Demebele, and didn't look too pleased about it. Referee Lee Probert has a brief word in his ear, nothing more.
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SZCZESNY SAVES WELL: Dempsey spreads the ball out wide to Zamora, who drives forward and forces Szczesny into a stop low to his right.
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GREAT CHANCE GERVINHO! Van Persie's corner is curled towards the back post. The Ivorian meets it full on volley but skews it wide. It was difficult to take but he would have fancied testing the goalkeeper there.
Top Comments:
Vanstrider17 on Twitter says:
Gervinho! great positioning! just lacked the finish!
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BRIGHT OPENING AT THE COTTAGE: Both sides have looked positive in their approaches to the game. Arsenal have perhaps shaded it though and Wenger will be happy with the way his side have started.
Top Comments:
asimthegunner on Twitter says:
Koscielny has become such an influence in the defence
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ZAMORA CAUSING PROBLEMS: The burly striker is certainly putting himself about early on. He had been a doubt with an Achilles issue, but he looks up for the fight tonight.
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HIGH AND WIDE FROM MURPHY: A Fulham throw deep in the Arsenal half is cleared, but only as far as Murphy, who volleys a wayward effort well over the bar.
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RAMSEY TESTS THE WATER: The Welshman drives forward and toe-pokes a shot towards Stockdale's goal, but the goalkeeper gathers easily.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have started very well here. It’s very similar to how they ended the last game against Fulham – laying siege to them
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'WE ALL FOLLOW THE ARSENAL': They're in excellent voice already this evening. No doubt the potential return of Henry has spurred them on, but more importantly, three points is what they want right now.
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GERVINHO FIRES OVER: A really lively start from Arsenal, that was a decent opportunity. Walcott clips a ball into the box, which eventually finds its way to the Ivorian. It's tough, but his shot on the volley sails over.
Kick Off AND THEY'RE OFF: Arsenal will get us underway from left to right as we see things.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
It looks like a 4-3-2-1 formation for Fulham based on how they are lining up right now
WOJCIECH APPLAUDS: The keeper jogs back to his goal and salutes the travelling faithful. "THIERRY HENRY", they cry. Anybody would have thought they might be excited about the striker's return.
AND HERE THEY COME: Robin van Persie leads out the Gunners, backed by a strong Arsenal horde behind the goal. They've taken over the stand behind the goal.
Top Comments:
ArturJablonsky on Twitter says:
Just know that RVP would play. Time to start effort to break Shearer's record this year.
FIVE MINUTES TO GO: The teams are ready and waiting in the tunnel. Confident? Nervous? Anxious? All three? Of course you are.
Top Comments:
diladsn on Twitter says:
Hope Coquelin has a good game tonight, really liked the look of him so far
AWAY FORM PATCHY: In fairness, Arsenal's away fixtures this season have been fairly daunting at times. But this one is very much on the radar and Wenger will be hoping his side can register their fifth win on the road.
Top Comments:
Chris Harris on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal have done very well this festive season -- if they get three more points they can make up some ground
TEN MINUTES TO KICK-OFF: We're not too far away from getting underway here at the Cottage. Much to this reporter's disgust, Fulham have deemed it appropriate to hand out 'clappers'. No, I don't know what they are either but they sound awful.
IT'S ALL A LITTLE FAMILIAR: Just five weeks ago, today's opponents frustrated Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium. Here's hoping Robin and co can put them to the sword this time around. Who'd bet against it?
FIND US ON TWITTER: Send us your thoughts via the #ArsenalLive hashtag and we'll publish our favourites here.
GET IN TOUCH: Send us your e-mails throughout the game to get your views on air. Contact us at studio@arsenal.co.uk
Today's Matchday Show is underway. Head here for the discussion player.arsenal.com, followed by LIVE commentary with Dan Roebuck and Arsenal.com reporter Chris Harris.
IN OUR OWN HANDS: That coveted fourth spot is in Arsenal's reach now, all they need to do is keep hold of it. Easy. Right?
FULHAM: Stockdale, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Ruiz, Murphy (c), Sidwell, Dempsey, Dembele, Zamora.
SUBSTITUTES: Almunia, Miquel, Squillaci, Benayoun, Rosicky, Arshavin, Chamakh.
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Coquelin, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie (c).
Top Comments:
@Martinez_white7 on Twitter says:
Good to see Gervinho in for Arshavin so hopefully that will provide more of a creative spark in attack for us today
TEAM NEWS: It's two changes for Arsene Wenger's side today, with Gervinho and Francis Coquelin both back in the starting line-up. Andrey Arshavin drops to the bench, while Thomas Vermaelen is currently sidelined through injury.
GOOD EVENING: Welcome to Craven Cottage, where Arsenal are looking to get their 2012 off to a flier.
Fulham
12 STOCKDALE, David
02 KELLY, Stephen
05 HANGELAND, Brede
14 SENDEROS, Philippe
03 ARNE RIISE, John
23 DEMPSEY, Clinton
13 MURPHY, Danny
21 FREI, Kerim (69)
04 SIDWELL, Steve
25 ZAMORA, Bobby
11 RUIZ, Bryan
30 DEMBELE, Moussa
38 ETHERIDGE, NEIL
06 BAIRD, CHRIS
18 HUGHES, AARON
15 GECOV, MARCEL
16 DUFF, DAMIEN
21 FREI, KERIM
09 ORLANDO SA, CARLOS
Arsenal
13 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
20 DJOUROU, Johan
04 MERTESACKER, Per
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
18 SQUILLACI, Sebastien (81)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
07 ROSICKY, Tomas (65)
08 ARTETA, Mikel
17 SONG, Alex
39 COQUELIN, Francis
10 VAN PERSIE, Robin
27 GERVINHO
30 BENAYOUN, Yossi (74)
01 ALMUNIA, MANUEL
18 SQUILLACI, SEBASTIEN
49 MIQUEL, IGNASI
07 ROSICKY, TOMAS
23 ARSHAVIN, ANDREY
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Top Comments:
Mocky92 on Twitter says:
That's what happens when you have many injuries and then someone gets sent off.
wordsrmagic2me on Twitter says:
Lack of strength in depth exposed. Need reinforcements in defence and attack