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Fulham 0-1 Arsenal: Mannone Masterclass Ensures Victory
Robin van Persie strike separates the two London sides.
Sep 26, 2009 3:31:02 PM
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal Lineup,Stats
Arsenal secured maximum points at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground; an arena they struggled in last season. Young gun Vito Mannone showed he could become the don of goalkeeping, as he put on a masterclass of blocks and saves to ensure his sheet remained clean.
The Gunners' title ambitions could have taken a serious dent on Saturday afternoon should they have suffered a similar fate to the one bestowed upon them last season. After setbacks against the two sides of Manchester, a return to winning ways was a mandatory requirement.
Fulham made Arsenal work for the result. A swift bombardment of Arsenal's goal ensued during the opening half, as Mannone was called into action to deny Andy Johnson following a well-timed header. Clint Dempsey was first to react, but Mannone 21, blocked the American's passage to goal.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for the burgeoning Italian glovesman after a particularly poor introduction against Standard Liege in the Champions League.
Arsene Wenger's side broke the deadlock seven minutes after the break, as Roy Hodgson's rearguard failed to nullify a swift move created by quarterback midfielder Francesc Fabregas. The Spanish skipper's cross-field pass found technically-gifted Dutchman Robin van Persie, and the forward's shot found the bottom of the left-hand corner.
The home side, though, seemed adamant of staging a successful reaction, but Mannone was on guard to deny another Johnson header, a well-weighted cross from Paul Koncheskey, and a nodded chance from Zamora.
Mannone was rightly commended the man of the match following the conclusion of the high-tempo tie.
Goal.com
Arsenal secured maximum points at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground; an arena they struggled in last season. Young gun Vito Mannone showed he could become the don of goalkeeping, as he put on a masterclass of blocks and saves to ensure his sheet remained clean.
The Gunners' title ambitions could have taken a serious dent on Saturday afternoon should they have suffered a similar fate to the one bestowed upon them last season. After setbacks against the two sides of Manchester, a return to winning ways was a mandatory requirement.
Fulham made Arsenal work for the result. A swift bombardment of Arsenal's goal ensued during the opening half, as Mannone was called into action to deny Andy Johnson following a well-timed header. Clint Dempsey was first to react, but Mannone 21, blocked the American's passage to goal.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for the burgeoning Italian glovesman after a particularly poor introduction against Standard Liege in the Champions League.
Arsene Wenger's side broke the deadlock seven minutes after the break, as Roy Hodgson's rearguard failed to nullify a swift move created by quarterback midfielder Francesc Fabregas. The Spanish skipper's cross-field pass found technically-gifted Dutchman Robin van Persie, and the forward's shot found the bottom of the left-hand corner.
The home side, though, seemed adamant of staging a successful reaction, but Mannone was on guard to deny another Johnson header, a well-weighted cross from Paul Koncheskey, and a nodded chance from Zamora.
Mannone was rightly commended the man of the match following the conclusion of the high-tempo tie.
Goal.com
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