A mature performance from Arsenal led them to all three Premier League points in a London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Fulham were undone by some top class finishing from Arsenal stars Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud as they lost their first London derby of the season.
The Gunners showed real tactical acumen and a backbone not always associated with them as they came from a testing 0-3 victory in Turkey against Fenerbahce to claim a further win in West London at Craven Cottage.
Olivier Giroud pounced on a long range Aaron Ramsey shot to fire home a poacher’s effort, before Lukas Podolski was first to reach to grab the rebound from a Theo Walcott effort, side footing high into the net.
That gave Arsenal a two goal lead at half time, and the Gunners looked in control at the break despite one sticky moment that had Wojciech Szczesny scrambling to make a double save.
After half time, Arsene Wenger clearly told his team to play intelligently and take advantage of counterattacking opportunities when they came.
Podolski’s second goal epitomised that strategy, with a fine rifled finish from the edge of the area after Santi Cazorla set him up.
Darren Bent fired home from around zero yards out as he maintained his impressive scoring record against Arsenal, but the Gunners held on until the final whistle.
COMMENTS