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Lukas Podolski of Arsenal (R) celebrates scoring his side’s third goal with team mate Olivier Giroud during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2013 in London, England.
Match Review
The first half started at a brisk pace, with both teams playing it a little safe in cognizance of the bounty from the heavens. Arsenal looked comfortable with the ball at their feet, and they were the first to make their peace with the conditions. Slick passing and finding space seemed effortless for the Arsenal midfield, with even Gibbs and Jenkinson making the occasional foray upwards.
John Arne Riise had two decent chances, both dead ball situations, but he couldn’t make the most of either. Berbatov was at loggerhead with Sagna, and was almost lucky not to be booked for a blatant push early on.
Under pressure, Arsenal crumbled on occasions, but Fulham lacked the firepower to ensure their opponents paid for their mistakes. Riise looked to threaten from the outfield, but it was Arsenal who were putting the pedal to the metal on the counter.
Giroud drew first blood after he latched on to a shot by Aaron Ramsey, albeit unintentionally. The ball dropped right in front of him and he smartly wrong-footed the keeper, digging the ball out with his left foot and placing it sweetly.
Arsenal were off to a good start and the nerves eased up a bit. Adel Taarabt seemed keen to announce his presence on the field, which he did with a selfish crack which kept on rising. Ramsey picked up a yellow, with a needless dig.
Another counter ensued and Gibbs found himself a second to whip a shot in but he could only drag it wide, and Giroud couldn’t help but express his disgust after the left back refused to pick him out. Closer to the halfway mark, Fulham were pushing carelessly and Arsenal leaped ahead.
The counter caught Fulham napping and Walcott pulled the trigger, leaving Stockdale to make the save, and the ball found the rampaging Podolski, who made no mistake from the edge of the box.
Arsenal were 2-0 up right before the half; a very convenient position to be in. Both Arsenal and Fulham looked tight at the back, but Arsenal left a lot of space unguarded, leaving them vulnerable.
The second half started with Fulham looking to make amends, but Taarabt looked quite unsettled, with the exception of a low shot which Szczesny parried easily. He never looked like a threat, even when his inward drifting looked risky. Ramsey and Rosicky were calling the shots, and Arsenal looked content with passing the ball around.
Right at the hour mark, Duff was taken off to introduce Darren Bent. Bent has a reputation of scoring on debut, with goals for Charlton and Sunderland on his first day at work. Fulham were rejuvenated with another change after Taarabt was replaced by Kacaniklic. They played the right flank a couple of times, only to be thwarted by a tight back line. Kasami had an inviting ball laid off to him but Berbatov’s eagerness caused him to drag it wide.
Giroud pulled off an unbelievable trap and fed Santi Cazorla, who was quick to jump forward with space in front of him, and after a couple of step overs, found Podolski just outside the box, who let rip his left foot. The low shot passed Stockdale before the keeper could actually make his mind up, and found the corner of the net. Arsenal were 3-0 up, and Fulham had absolutely no chance at making a comeback.
Jack Wilshere was brought in for Rosicky, making it his 100th appearance for the Gunners. The talismanic midfielder recently stated that he would consider leaving the club if Wenger was forced out, which made for quite a sensational declaration. Wenger looked to be happy with the score line, and took Giroud off to bring in an additional defender with Monreal. Former Arsenal man Sidwell too made way for the Greek Karagounis.
At 79 minutes, Berbatov found himself with some space in the middle of the Arsenal box, and he got his shot away quickly with a smart turn. Szczesny parried the ball with a dive but could only find himself looking at Darren Bent scoring his first for Fulham with his left foot. Too little too late, and Fulham didn’t seem very likely to make up for lost chances. A flurry of bookings later, which included Wilshere who been on the pitch for only 10 minutes.
Fulham were more aggressive in their attack but their long balls left the fans wanting for more. A foray by Berbatov was stopped by Wilshere, who made a run right across the flank with Walcott, who couldn’t finish the one-two. Yaya Sanogo also entered the mix, replacing Podolski who had left his mark with a brace.
Arsenal kept the mercury up simply to thwart any bright ideas that the home side may have. Walcott’s work rate was very impressive, and he kept on charging at the Fulham back line, only to find Stockdale standing strong. The four minutes of stoppage time didn’t spring any surprises and Arsenal wrapped up a comfortable victory in the London derby.
