However, a penalty by Robin van Persie and an excellent strike from Alex Hleb meant Jens Lehmann's howler didn't cost us too much. I can forgive the odd goalkeeping error, the missed chances and the squabbling like schoolchildren over the ball after Robin's equaliser - actually I quite like that. What I can't forgive is the fact that for 80-odd minutes we made Zat Knight look like a competent Premier League footballer. Some work still needs to be done
Jens Lehman - 4 - As most of the country enjoys a laugh Jens, it's not hard to see why the Germans coined the term Schadenfreude. Performed admirably after his mistake.
Bacary Sagna - 6 - Looks a fine buy and there was further evidence of a promising partnership with Eboue. Showed great pace to recover after a rare slip. Very stupid hair.
Gael Clichy - 6 - Making up for the year he missed through injury by running twice as much during a match than the average bear - even performing the role of ball boy for Fulham.
Kolo Toure - 6 - The heart of the team, he may have his faults as a defender but he drives everyone forward and he pulled us back from the brink yesterday. Thankfully, Robin's presence meant he didn't get a chance to blast a free kick agonisingly 20 yards wide.
William Gallas - 5 - This is the last time I'm going to write this - honest - but the little and little partnership is unlikely to work well in Premier League. An inauspicious start to his captaincy but at least he smiled at the end.
Emmanuel Eboue - 5 - At least there were none of his usual antics but it was a quiet day all round for Manu, although one excellent ball set up a great chance for Hleb.
Cesc Fabregas - 5- Possibly inhibited by Hleb playing the free role in front of him, Cesc had one of his worse games for Arsenal, yet still provided the assist for the winner and picked a fight with the giant that is Diop.
Mathieu Flamini - 7 - Some people may not rate him but he was all over the place yesterday in a good way - often making up for mistakes of his more vaunted colleagues. Also used the ball better than normal.
Tomas Rosicky - 6 - A real threat let down by finishing - stop me if you've heard this before. Wonderful hair - M Sagna take note.
Alexander Hleb - 6 - Provided ammunition for his detractors and fans alike. Looks more at home in the centre and took his goal superbly but should have had a hat-trick.
Robin Van Persie - 5 - Looked a bit off the pace which was understandable considering his long period on the sidelines - hardly conducive to playing up front on his own.
Substitutes
Theo Walcott - 5 - Lively, keen, very, very young still and a touch wayward.
Niclas Bendtner - 8 - Changed the game when he came on - excellent in the air and none too shoddy on the ground. Will prompt many Great Dane headlines once he is let off the leash.
Alexandre Song n/a Bizarrely preferred to both Diaby and Denilson on the bench, came on merely to rival Bacary in the hair stakes imo.