At the end of a gloomy week for English football, there was comfort in the return of the Premier League. And while it may have been cold comfort for most of the country, in milder London it was home comfort at last for Arsenal. After losing their previous two games at the Emirates, the Gunners squeaked past fast-falling Fulham courtesy of two delicious, delightful goals by Samir Nasri.
Untouchable: Samir Nasri proved his worth to Arsenal with yet another match-winning performance. Yet again they looked nervous under the high ball and made hard work of what should have been a routine win after a breathtaking beginning to the game.
Instead, they conceded an equaliser to Diomansy Kamara for a spirited but limited Fulham - who are becoming embroiled in a relegation struggle - and ended up craving the final whistle. I know we have the desire and spirit to fight for it. Wenger will have to hope that Nasri stays fit and firing and that Andrey Arshavin continues to create. The Russian had a role in both goals to cap a memorable week for him, with his heartfelt speech in Zurich - in contrast to over-rehearsed English efforts - helping to bring his country the World Cup.
Net result: Nasri fires his second from a tight angle to seal the three points. It should have been no contest. Fulham went into the game never having beaten Arsenal away from home and were without a League win outside Craven Cottage since the opening day of last season.
Indeed, it was no contest for the first half-hour, with Arsenal quickly into their slick stride. Mark Schwarzer, a Gunners transfer target in the summer but now in possession of a new two-year contract with Fulham, had to save from Arshavin from close range before Nasri, fed by Arshavin, slipped a shot wide.
