Fulham 1 – 0 Arsenal

// August 25th, 2008 // Arsenal FC

Well, Arsene surely cannot be pleased with the performance put forth by his Arsenal side on Saturday. Being busy with Mikeapalooza on Saturday and the cleanup yesterday has afforded me some time to think a bit more rationally about the loss, but here I am, two days later, and the stench from Craven Cottage is still fresh in my nose.

Not one Arsenal player did anything right. It’s absolutely the worst performance in years. Arsene had this to say after the match:

“We lacked a bit more quality in our passing. We you look at the possession we had and what we did with it that is always a sign it is not only down power but vision and technical quality. That was not there today. I don’t know why. You have to credit to Fulham as well.”…

…”It was the kind of game where you could not afford to make a mistake and we made a massive one. It was a game where if you get to half-time at 0-0 then you would win the game. That is the biggest regret I have.”…

…”The result is there and we have to cope with it. We have a big game on Wednesday night and we have to respond with a top class performance because was we did today was just not good enough.”

Things need to turn around quickly, as the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against FC Twente takes place on Wednesday. That should see the Gunners advance thanks to the 2-0 lead that they earned two weeks ago, but if anything, Saturday’s performance, by the midfield in particular, underscores the urgent need for a veteran signing. Someone who can come in and do the business. There’s only a few days left before the transfer window closes. Let’s hope Arsene does something soon.

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