Arsenal produced a solid effort in the rain at Craven Cottage, beating Fulham 3-1 to build on their midweek performance against Fenerbahce. It relieves some pressure off Arsene Wenger, and it is hoped that he will respond with some quality acquisitions next week. Lukas Podolski, whose future was in question before this match, responded well with a goal in each half, both good finishes. In-form striker Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, finishing well after controlling a miscued Ramsey strike. Darren Bent continued his tradition of scoring on debut by getting a consolation goal for Fulham courtesy a tap-in.
Arsenal Player Ratings:
Szcezsny – 8 – Did well today after an uncertain outing against Aston Villa. Pulled off an excellent double save in the first half to deny Taarabt and subsequently Duff, and followed it up with another good save in the second half. Looked very comfortable, and could do nothing to stop Bent’s consolation goal.
Jenkinson – 6 – Still looks like the weak link of this Arsenal team. Alright in attack, but was skinned by Taarabt at various times during the match and most of Fulham’s attacks came down his side. Given respite when Taarabt was taken off and subsequently looked at ease, but Wenger should consider bringing another defender in.
Sagna – 7 – Looked like the center back position was made for him and provided an assured performance without really having much to do. Produced an excellent tackle when Parker was steamrolling his way through in the first half.
Mertesacker – 7 – Arsenal’s skipper looked good while dealing with crosses towards the end of the game. Was a reliable presence in defence and dealt well with the threat of Berbatov.
Gibbs – 7 – Slowly turning into one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers. Always an outlet down the left, and marked Duff out of the game completely.
Ramsey – 7 – It is heartening for Arsenal fans to see the Welshman finally seem to enjoy his football. Didn’t get tested much in the holding role, and was proficient in bringing the ball out of defence to more advanced players. His scuffed shot led to the first Arsenal goal.
Rosicky – 6 – Was neat in possession without being particularly dangerous. Involved in some good combinations in the midfield with Cazorla and Ramsey.
Cazorla – 8.5 – Arsenal just look a much better team with the diminutive Spaniard, as his ambidextrous nature is a huge asset to Arsenal. He never seems to give the ball away while always looking to drive forward. Was involved in the second goal, and took two defenders out of the game to give Podolski space to score his second.
Walcott – 7 – Flitted in and out of the game, but was always an outlet when Arsenal looked to make quick counter attacks. Has become much more at ease with himself, and his blocked shot caused Podolski to score Arsenal’s second.
Giroud – 8 – One of the Frenchman’s best performances in an Arsenal shirt. Continued his goalscoring form by finishing well for Arsenal’s opener, making it 3 goals in 3 games this season. However, what was extremely impressive was his hold-up play, bringing others into play very well. Won most of his aerial duels, and his exquisite control gave Arsenal the platform to score the third.
Podolski – 8 – Was invisible for most of the first half, but reminded everyone on the stroke of half time that he remains one of Arsenal’s best finishers. Followed that up with another excellent finish in the second half. Certainly proved a point to Wenger after the German wasn’t in the starting lineup against Villa and Fenerbahce.