Arsenal were deservedly beaten yesterday at Craven Cottage when Brede Hangeland grabbed the game’s only goal after wriggling free of William Gallas to prod home Jimmy Bullard’s corner. The Norwegian centre-back was proud to score his first goal for Fulham, but was also pleased that his side were able to secure their first win of the season after a disappointing away defeat to Hull City last week.
Speaking to Teamtalk.com, the 27-year-old said, “I'll always remember it but the most important thing was that it earned us a big three points.
“After last week starting with a defeat at Hull we really needed something from this game.”
For Arsenal, however, the problems mount, with injuries reducing their team to a mix of inexperience and youth, and their performances not up to their usual best. The team was way off the pace from the start, and never regained control of the game, with the home side putting in a solid all-round performance. Without the influential partnership of Fabregas and Hleb, the Gunners looked lost and lacklustre and were unable to create many chances. The chances they did make came to nothing, with Van Persie blasting an easy chance wide and Adebayor hitting the post with a header.
Despite this, Wenger remains adamant that he will not be rushed into panic buys before the transfer window closes.
“Of course I am frustrated but when you lose a game it is not always the solution to buy,” he said.
“We did not create enough chances and have to look at why and how we can do it better. I didn't feel we were into the game right from the start and you can't be like that.
“We had problems as well to win our (early) games last year but we did win them and it made things easier. Now we have to respond.
“We had 60 minutes to respond after Fulham scored but we did not create a lot and I don't know why.
“But let's not make comparisons with this team and last season's team because it is not a lot different. If it is better only the future will tell us that.”
Arsenal have a Champions League clash against Dutch side FC Twente in midweek, before they continue their Premier League campaign with a tough home game against Newcastle on Saturday.