The tea-time kickoff between Arsenal and Fulham at Craven Cottage was supposedly a match that Arsenal should have won easily. But instead, they lost to a header from the Danish defender Hangeland from a Jimmy Bullard corner.
I have never seen Arsenal play so badly, the passes, the chances they had were so minimal that it was not the typical Arsenal side that in normality, should have a lot of chances. The performance of each Arsenal player was average and they were not really playing the Arsenal game.
Most notably, the performance of one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, Gael Clichy was disappointing and he was indeed not at his level best.
The centre midfield partnership between Emmanuel Eboue and Denilson did not have the same chemistry and magic as last season's partnership between Cesc Fabregas and Milan bound Mathieu Flamini.
Indeed losing Cesc Fabregas in the middle is a big loss to Arsenal football club. The man who had become the heartbeat of Arsenal was missing from two games and he was rightfully missed by all the Arsenal fans.
The midfield maestro had a hamstring injury since the Champions League qualifying match between Arsenal and Steve McLaren's FC Twente side in Holland a few weeks ago. According to Wenger, he will be fit for the next game against Twente at the Emirates this week.
Denilson is still a young lad with much talent, but his performance against Fulham was disastrous. He couldn't keep up with the Fulham midfield and did not try to collect the loose balls.
Another player who wasn't at his level best was Theo Walcott. He is one of the emerging young talents that should be watched this season, but his performance against West Brom and Fulham respectively was a typical Walcott performance.
His pace on the ball is incredible but his control is bit sloppy. He tries to challenge the opposition but every time when he does, he fails. The loss of Alexander Hleb (who by the way is a traitor) is sadly to say a big miss.
The partnership between Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie has not yet gelled but mainly I think that the loss of the Croatian international, Eduardo is a big factor in the striking department.
The loss of Eduardo has caused the goals for Arsenal in a bit of a letdown. This is because he is a crucial item in Arsene Wenger's striking force.
Tomas Rosicky's absence from the left-wing is also one of the big factors as he contributes the artistry and creativity as well as goals from midfield. But there is a positive note, he might be ready and fit in September and could be involved in the later stages of September matches.
Chelsea and Liverpool are leading the Premier League table but it is only a matter of time to wait for them to slip up. They are contenders no doubt but they have yet to face Arsenal or Manchester United yet and there is the possibility that they can either win, lose or having a draw.
I adamantly believe that Arsenal is in no real trouble. Sure they lost against Fulham but it is only the second game of the season and there are 36 games to go.
The manager himself believes that his team can win the Premier League this season and as we Arsenal fans say it, "In Arsene We Trust."
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