Understandably, by the time we had missed a penalty and Fulham had gone 1-0 up, I feared the worst. I was however, forgetting one thing: the goal machine that is Pascal Cygan was back in the starting line up! Our secret weapon was there, and ready to pounce on a Bergkamp free kick to equalise, and after Thierry edged himself ever close to the Wright's record with a brace, there was Cygan again popping up to slam the ball through Kolo's legs from 5 yards out. Well played to the stadium announcer (Who has taken stick in the past for being dull and unoriginal) for pointing out that Cygan was just 182 goals away from the record after his goals! It was a good display, and the perfect response to the defeat. Normally I would say that we need to build on this immediately in our next game, but due to the Scousers being in a European friendly, and then yet more international games, that is not for two and a half weeks! Thank you very much FIFA, now just what are we supposed to do on a Sunday?
Arsenal Man of The Match – Jose Reyes
Jens Lehmann (7) Pulled off an excellent save, tipping the ball over the bar after a Fulham free kick. His quick distribution helped us to get at Fulham on the break.
Ashley Cole (7) Hard working and showed a good attitude to the game.
Pascal Cygan (6) Well who can doubt the two goal hero? Me for one! His passing was still shockingly bad, but at least his aerial ability seemed to be improving.
Kolo Toure (8) Another fine display, with good reading of the play and forward passing.
Lauren (7) Defended well, but seem to find it harder to link up down the right, as the player in the position was rotating between Jose, Hleb and Dennis.
Jose Reyes (9) Back with a bang. He was just what we were missing last Sunday, with and hunger to drive forward, take people on and not be afraid to track back when required.
Cesc Fabregas (7) Showed the strength to deal with the Fulham side, and was unlucky not to sore when he driven shot was well tipped over.
Gilberto (7) Typical Gilberto, just sitting back soaking up any pressure then playing us forward.
Alexander Hleb (8) Arsene Wenger said that “He will fit right in with the style that we play.” He wasn't lying was he? This guy showed glimpses of real brilliance in his play, and given more time I think he will be an automatic first choice.
Thierry Henry (7) Bagged the brace to take him within two goals of breaking the record. I think he may well get it a Boro, as another brace up there isn't out of the question.
Dennis Bergkamp (7) Showed that he still has it. He still has his anger, as the lino found out, he still has his passing as Fulham got caught out and he still has his shooting ability.
Subs:
Gael Clichy (7) It was as if he hadn't been away, with his bombing runs down the left, and his desire to retain the ball.
Mathieu Flamini (6) Slotted into the centre.