Arsenal - Fulham post analysis

Arsenal's streak victory stopped by a very organized Fulham in the Emirates Stadium. An uninspiring first half, and still uninspiring in the second half, before the introduction of Ivorian winger Gervinho and French midfielder Abou Diaby. Vermaelen scored an own goal to make Fulham lead 1-0, but then he scored another goal to level the score.

Wenger changed two players from the side beating Borussia Dortmund with Johan Djourou taking Laurent Koscielny's place on the right back and Andrey Arshavin was selected ahead of Gervinho on the left flank. Wenger probably would like to rest his player, just before facing Manchester City on the League Cup.

Arsenal were really uninspiring in the first half, they were only creating few chances, and Fulham even pressed Arsenal's defence line in the first fifteen minutes. Arsenal slowly got control of the match, but were unable to break the deadlock, as Fulham defended like a rock, very strong and rigid. Theo Walcott was the most dangerous Arsenal player on the pitch, but still failed to make any end product.

Arshavin, who recently said he was 'glued' on the bench by Wenger, failed to prove himself, and it justified why he was glued on the bench. Ineffective, and lacking of confidence, that's two main points of his weaknesses. He was unsurprisingly substituted by Marouane Chamakh on the second half. His time in Arsenal might has come to end, and he might leave in January, and Wenger might buy another winger, or even try Miyaichi on Arshavin's position. Proven, that after Gervinho entered the fray, Arsenal's game was improving, they were more dangerous, and Gervinho several times entered Fulham's penalty area, which Arshavin unable to do in 70 minutes. Had Gervniho played from the beginning, Arsenal might have won the game.

This result shows that Arsenal still lacking of the depth in the squad. Arsenal's excellent recent form has been depending on the first team players Wenger has always put from the beginning, notably van Persie, Gervinho, Walcott, Song and Vermaelen. The second string players had never really impressed in the Champions League or Premier League. Arsenal were lack of inspiration against Stoke City, before Robin van Persie saved the Gunners with his two goals. Arsenal weren't sharp enough in the home game against Marseille, once again when Robin van Persie was on the bench.

Wenger should add one or two players to the squad, especially flair players who could make a difference when other players is stuck. Other players like van Persie who could inspire the whole team is something Arsenal need. In my opinion, there are only two players like that in Arsenal's squad now, Walcott and Gervinho. Walcott still lack of consistency, while Gervinho is not composed enough in front of the goal. With transfer windows is nearing, Wenger should have prepared some names he would bid in January. It would be great if he could bring big names, such as Hazard and Gotze, but it is not likely.

Besides the negative side, has to be said that Wenger (finally) made a correct decision in substitution by bringing in Gervinho to replace Ramsey, a decision that he should've done earlier. Vermaelen, the own goal scorer, converted Walcott's cross to make it 1-1. Vermaelen showed great character, even after scoring an own goal, he didn't turned bad, and finally he made up for what he have done.