We always have to do it the hard way. Again Arsenal dominated but left it late to get the 3 points. Despite having very little to play for, Arsene Wenger's side want to end the season on a high and although the win was not very convincing, it will still help this young team's confidence.
Emirates Stadium was looking at it's best. Shining in the sunlight with the seats packed with Red and White; a beautiful sight to behold. And The Gunners started brightly and for a change, were the first to score with a great early goal. Adebayor clipped a cross in, for Julio Baptista to plant a super header into the bottom corner. It only took 4 minutes and it was just the start the Arsenal faithful wanted. This was to lead to many half-chances as well as a few efforts from the goalscorer. But the best opportunity came on the half-hour. Cesc Fabregas tried to place the ball into the corner but was denied brilliantly by the strong palm of Antti Niemi. Then, just minutes later, the Finnish keeper made another great save, this time denying Adebayor. So for the first time in a while, The Gunners walked in at half time, happy with a lead.
But in the second half, Arsenal looked really tired, clumsy and careless and weren't playing their usual passing game. It wasn't very good for the neutrals and the first bit of action came on 78 minutes. A poor punch from Lehmann went only as far as Simon Davies on the edge of the box. The Welshman then lobbed the keeper and watched it nestle in the back of the net. You could call it flukey but it didn't stop the celebrations of the visiting fans. You could see what it meant. But the goal was probably a wake up call for the home side as they started to go on the attack and worry the Fulham defence. Fabregas slipped a pass through to Adebayor, who cut inside before delightfully curling the ball into the bottom corner. With 5 minutes to go, it sent The Emirates crazy and got the fans singing again. And the win was secured when former gooner, Moritz Volz brought down Hleb in the area. Gilberto stepped up an confidently converted, for his 10th goal of the season.
Match Ratings:
Lehmann: Very Suspect and cost us a goal (4)
Eboue: Very quiet down the right (5)
Toure: An easy game for him (5)
Gallas: See Above (5)
Clichy: A real threat going forward, and not bad defending! What a star! (8)
Hleb: Fairly quiet but used the ball well ad won the penalty (6)
Fabregas: Not his best game but still overpowered the Fulham midfield (7)
Gilberto: Very poor. Not like him at all. Lost the ball too often (4)
Diaby: Was he playing? Probably did well with his handful of touches (5)
Baptista: Scored a great header. However he is a waste of space and can't pass to save his life. OUT! (5)
Adebayor: Scored a magnificent goal and worked his socks off again. This guy has the lot (9)
Denilson: Didn't make an impact (5)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Emmanuel Adebayor
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