Arsenal ended their recent run of bad form with victory against Fulham today, but it took a stroke of luck, the kind of which had deserted them in past weeks, to claim the points against the Cottagers.
John Tigana's men will feel hard done by after squandering several golden opportunities and seeing referee Jeff Winter turn down an almost certain penalty. With just a minute on the clock Steed Malbranque lofted a precision cross into the Arsenal penalty area which presented Steve Finnan with clear header on the edge of the six-yard box. Finnan inexplicably headed over, and already the signs were there that it was not to be Fulham's afternoon.
Eight minutes later the Cottagers were left cursing their luck again when former Gunner Luis Boa Morte wriggled free in the Arsenal box and just before he was about to shoot, was barged to the floor by Sol Campbell, but Winter amazingly waved play on.
Arsenal then took the lead after 31 minutes in the most bizarre fashion. A poor corner from Thierry Henry looked to be meat and drink for the Fulham defence, but as Steve Marlet swung his foot at it to kick it to safety, he managed only to deflect past Edwin van der Sar and into the Fulham net.
Jean Tiganna's side started the second half brightly and pressed the Gunners in search of an equaliser. Referee Winter once again came to the rescue of Arsenal, waving away protests when Campbell again seemed to take the tricky Boa Morte down in the penalty area. Campbell was once again in the thick of the action in the 64th minute when Andy Melville's swinging free-kick split the Arsenal defence and look set for the head of Marlet, before the former Spurs defender somehow managed to put the ball out of play.
Fulham were becoming increasingly desperate in their search for a leveller, Inamoto's 35-yard drive was never going to trouble Seaman and Marlet was also guilty of several hit and hope shots. However, none of that will both Arsene Wenger who will be relieved to have ended his side’s run of four defeats on the trot.
Filed by Rob Wright
