Key Incidents:
Goal (Arsenal) (12) – Class through and through. Bobby played a square to Freddie in the middle of the park, who slipped a ball towards the area. Thierry pounced on this, and left Pearce with a delightful turn. He dummied the shot, leaving Pearce on the ground, and cooly put the ball into the far corner in the traditional mannor.
Goal (Arsenal) (71) - The goal that settled the nerves and sealed the game. Hussling from Cesc in midfield allowed him to break down the right side. He played in Freddie, who played yet another good ball low into the area. A beautiful dummy from Bergkamp bought Pires some space and left him the with ball at his feet and the goal at his mercy. He twisted around his man before powering home the second goal.
Man Of The Match – Patrick Vieira.
Player Ratings
Manuel Almunia - 8 - I just cant fault the guy. This was truly his best performance yet, and he really stood out and distinguished himself. He made a string of world class saves, especially when saving a lobbed shot from Radzinski, who looked certain to score. He showed great bravery in gathering the ball from the feet of onrushing attackers and highlighted his reading of the game with his movement in the box. Yet again his distribution was amazing, and I fully expect him to continue his form into the busy Christmas period. He was a close contender for man of the match.
Gael Clichy - 7.5 - Another step forward in the youngsters development. His pace allowed him to trouble the Fulham backline throughout and his defending was outstanding. In particular, his will to win the ball back with strong challenges impressed me.
Kolo Toure - 7 - His athleticism is simply awesome. Never have I seen him looking tired on the 90 minute mark, and he just plays with an enthusiasm that we don't always have enough off. That applied again today.
Sol Campbell - 7 - Strong in the air, and dealt with the threat of Andy Cole (if you can call him a threat now days) to such an extent that it led to Cole being replaced. He even burst into their half, and did a step over! Surely all this game was missing was a thirty yard strike to hit the net from his boot!
Lauren - 7 - Had little to deal with defensively, but excelled himself in the attacking third, providing a vital extra option when Fulham set up camp in their own half. Seemed to be boosted by the return of Freddie to the starting line up.
Robert Pires - 7.5 - A much better display than his one against Pompey on the previous Sunday. He was lively from the start, and his movement left gaping holes in the Fulham defence, which we exploited by Thierry and Co all game. Scored the goal that gave us our cushion, and was looking like the Pires we used to see week in week out.
Patrick Vieira - 8.5 - We saw in this game the Paddy of old. The Paddy who was determined to lead the team forward, the Paddy that put in his defensive work, and a Paddy who crunched players on a regular basis. It was a delight to watch, especially when you put it in the context of his previous 4 or even 5 performances, where he has left to be desired. Today he wanted it, and it showed. He had the hunger which made him strong. His passing was fluent, his accuracy outstanding. He went in for 50/50`s like he used to, either crunching the opposition player, or steaming straight through the challenge. So it put a yellow card to his name, but I would happily pay that price if I could have him performing like that every week.
Cesc Fabregas - 7 - He showed off the best attributes of his play for long periods today. However, he was visibly struggling for a while in the second half, which meant that he wasn't at full capacity at all times. Did well to keep up his continually high work rate.
Freddie Ljungberg - 7 - Good to see he found the Asprin at last! His movement, just like Bobby's, allowed other players, such as Ralf, to move into great positions. He got back to do his share of the defensive work as well, and was full of running.
Thierry Henry - 8 - Only just ousted by Paddy for the man of the match award. He flew out of the blocks, and tore the Fulham defence to shreds. They simply could not cope with the movement, pace or skill. He set up the play and at times single handedly strolled past 3 or 4 defenders. This guy even falls over gracefully, and then follows this by getting back up and doing something else which dazzles you. He really put his all into this match, and it was a pleasure to watch.
Dennis Bergkamp - 7 - Played a couple of Phenomenal balls across the park, before letting rip with a few thunderous strikes. He, as always, provided that key to unlocking the defence, and sat nicely in that hole between their defence and midfield, which he does to such great effect.
Subs:
Mathieu Flamini - 7 - Rested for today's game with the fixture congestion in mind. He came on a sured up the middle of the park just to wipe out any chance of a late Fulham revival. Did what was asked of him and can we ask for anymore than that?
Robin Van Persie - 7 - Again, he showed his determination. He is not afraid to run at defenders, and isn't the kind to pull out of his challenge. He goes out, clatters a few opposition players, gets lippy with the ref and then plays a bit of football. Sounds like an Arsenal lad to me!