Vermaelen scores at either end to see points shared

Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends to see that the points were shared as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Fulham at the Emirates. The vice captain scored eight minutes from time to ensure Arsenal got no more than they deserved as a draw seemed to be a fair result at the end of the game despite both keepers being on top form. For the match Arsene Wenger rested both Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho as Djourou and Arshavin took their places in the starting lineup. Abou Diaby returned to league action for the first time this season. Ex Arsenal man Phillipe Senderos who played 64 league games for the Gunners started in defence for Fulham against his former club.

Vermaelen scored at both ends to see that the points were shared at the Emirates

 In the opening minutes of the game Arsenal thought they had scored as Van Persie played Arshavin through who scored but it was ruled out as the Russian was in an offside position.

Arsenal's first proper chance fell to Aaron Ramsey. Song playing the ball to Van Persie and then to Ramsey who got into the penalty area before hitting a shot which was clawed away by Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham's first chance came to Bobby Zamora who managed to turn Thomas Vermaelen before curling a shot just over the cross bar.

Aaron Ramsey was then presented with the Gunners next chance. Theo Walcott did brilliantly down the right hand side, beating two players before playing the ball to Ramsey who blasted his shot over the bar.

However Fulham continued to stay positive and Moussa Dembele forced a good save out of Szczesny as he saw his fierce drive kept out by the Polish international. From the resulting corner the visitors created another opportunity as Hangeland rose the highest in a crowded penalty area, however only to see his header go over the bar.

Despite good chances for both sides the score would remain 0-0 at half time.

The first chance of the second half came to Robin Van Persie. Arteta found him on the edge of the box, he then cut inside before curling a shot which looked to have been going in but for Baird who was on the line to stop a certain Arsenal goal.

Despite the Gunners slight dominance in the game Fulham took the lead just after the hour mark. Danny Murphy swinging in a ball into the box which found Riise but he lost control and the ball bounced towards the sliding Vermaelen who put the ball into his own net.

Schwarzer in the Fulham goal was then forced into making a brilliant save from the head of Djourou. Van Persie delivered a corner from the right hand side right onto the head of Johan Djourou who's header was going in but for the Australian goalkeeper who dived to his left to keep the effort out. 

The captain provided Arsenal's next chance as Santos swung in the ball which found Van Persie who brought the ball down but fired his shot way over the bar.

Eight minutes from time the Gunners finally managed to equalise as Walcott found Vermaelen's head from six yards out to give Arsenal no more than they deserved as the Belgian made up for his earlier error.

Arsenal continued to attack as substitute Gervinho did well down the right, beating two men before cutting inside and firing a shot which was straight at the Fulham keeper.

The final chance came to Van Persie who from Arteta's corner could only find the hands of Schwarzer as Arsenal dropped two points on a day they should have arguably won.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-1 Fulham.

The teams lineups: 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker(68), Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(68), Walcott, Arshavin(76), Van Persie.
Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Frimpong, Diaby(68), Benayoun, Gervinho(68), Chamakh(76).

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Dembele, Ruiz(75), Zamora(79).
Subs: Etheridge, Briggs, Hughes, Gecov, Frei, Kasami(75), Johnson(79).

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen

Referee: Mike Dean
Attendance:  60,043