Fulham 2-Arsenal 1: Problems in Front of Goal Threatening to Derail Gunners

Arsenal's inability to take their chances is threatening to derail their season after the club dropped back outside the top four.

Arsenal conceded two late goals at Craven Cottage to slip to a hugely disappointing defeat against Fulham.

Former Gunners reserve Steve Sidwell capitalised on indecision from Wojciech Szczesny to turn in an equaliser. Booby Zamora then volleyed home a stunning winner after a poor clearing header from Sebastien Squillaci.

The real story of the game was Arsenal's lack of cutting edge and composure in front of goal. The Gunners started brightly thanks to some intelligent and determined play from Aaron Ramsey.

The Welsh youngster floated a beautiful ball over the top of the Fulham defense for Laurent Koscielny to power into the back of the net.

Arsenal completely controlled the first half, but repeatedly squandered every promising opportunity they managed to create.

Theo Walcott and Gervinho were the biggest culprits. The final ball from wide areas was disappointing all game long. Both players also looked hesitant when presented with scoring chances of their own.

Robin van Persie lacked his usual sharpness, and Ramsey and Mikel Arteta couldn't marry their assured possession play with a legitimate goal threat.

There is simply not enough goal scoring support for van Persie. The Gunners have failed to score two goals in any of their last three contests despite creating a host of chances.

It's time for Arsene Wenger to take the necessary steps to remedy an increasingly serious issue. If Wenger believes that a two-month loan for Thierry Henry is enough to equip Arsenal for the second half of the season, he and Gunners fans are in for a rude awakening.

Simply seeking cover for van Persie is a rather lazy response to the team's problems in front of goal. Arsenal need a more decisive and clinical wide forward and a more consistent and accurate provider from midfield.

If the club chooses to only rely on the current squad in the coming months, there will be no Champions League football next season.