This was a performance that you have to admire from Arsenal. The Gunners stuck to their task resolutely after a difficult first half, grinding out a deserved victory. A victory despite a performance that lacked a certain spark, in which the tension levels never reached boiling point thanks to a sterling Santi Cazorla performance.

Resilience not brilliance

There was nothing spectacular about this Arsenal display, but there was resilience in there, that we have become accustomed to at the Emirates this season. It was a deeply important victory, maintaining that vital consistency, yet you can’t help but feel performances will have to improve for Arsenal’s title challenge to remain intact.

Fulham offered a stern opposition today, especially in the first half, leaving The Gunners frustrated. Arsenal however were lacking the cutting edge upfront after a bright start. Final balls lacked the accuracy required and first touches often going aloof at the wrong moment, meant chances were few and far between.

Much like the first half, Arsenal started the second half brightly. Clearly understanding that more energy and attacking intent was necessary, to overcome a Fulham side that have never tasted victory at the Emirates. Cazorla, whose performance grew as the game progressed, got the break through with some intelligent running and quality finishing.

It is a type of victory that we have come to welcome at home this season, the hard fought, sometimes ugly displays. We have seen it against Hull, Cardiff and Southampton at home, our relentless attacking style, digging out a victory, the type that has often deserted us in recent seasons.

Midfield ponderings

Podolski’s introduction was one I think welcomed by many, and despite Gnabry’s recent performances, many Arsenal fans I feel would welcome a start for the more experienced German. He looked extremely fired up when coming on, almost having an instant impact with a fierce strike well saved by Stekelenburg.

Despite being two goals up, his desire to impact the game was plain for all to see. You can forgive Podolski for having a point to prove, having been somewhat overlooked since his disappointing performance as a lone striker against Cardiff. His effectiveness on the left hand side is undoubtedly where his strengths lay, his directness and powerful left foot apparent in his cameo today.

The rest of the Arsenal midfield managed to impose them throughout the game upon a hard-working Fulham, despite moving the ball a bit slowly in the first half. A feature of the Arsenal midfield has been the way they have effortlessly swapped in and out of their starting positions, noticeable for both of Cazorla’s goals, starting from the outside and coming into the centre and some tidy football from the impressive Wilshere.

Defensive stability

The much talked about defensive partnership of BFG and Koscielny extended their impressive record further today, but it was the Frenchman who stood out. Fulham did offer an attacking threat, especially in the first half, but Koscielny would often be there to make a vital interception.

At times Mertesacker was caught out with a ball played over the top, and when Szczesny wasn’t dashing out to collect, Koscielny was there to sweep up. Winning 100% of his aerial battles, he was vital in extending Arsenals clean sheet record to eight in the last nine at the Emirates.

Despite the result today, a trip away to Southampton in two weeks is probably going to offer our sternest test of the year so far, and on this performance we shall be lucky to come away with a victory. This is probably harsh considering Arsenal’s growing ability to obtain victory where it looks like it may not come, but as Chelsea and Man City crank up the gears, The Gunners are yet to convince many of their title chances.

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