Late Zamora goal sinks Arsenal in London derby

Arsenal's first match of 2012 ended in defeat as they conceded a late winner to Fulham on Monday evening as Bobby Zamora scored an injury time winner to seal the points in the London Derby. Arsenal were sent down to 10 men late on which allowed Fulham to capitalise.  Laurent Koscielny's first half header looked to be enough but Fulham came back from a goal down to beat Arsenal with two goals in the last 5 minutes. It turned out to be another game in which Arsenal failed to close the gap between the top teams. There was just one change to the side that beat QPR on New Years Eve as the injured Thomas Vermaelen was replaced by Francis Coquelin at left back.

Koscielny's first goal of the season wasn't enough as the Gunners suffered defeat

The first chance of the game fell to Arsenal. Robin Van Persie's inswinging corner finding Gervinho at the back post but he could only volley his effort high and wide of the goal.

Fulham's first chance fell to Zamora as he got into the penalty area before driving a shot past the defender but not past the goalkeeper as Szczesny got down well to keep the effort out.

Twenty minutes into the game Arsenal took the lead. Arteta's drive from range hit his own player and then came out to Gervinho who found Ramsey. Ramsey then looped a ball into the penalty area and onto the head of Koscielny to give Arsenal the lead and for the Frenchman's first of the season.

Arsenal then had two brilliant opportunities to double their lead. First Aaron Ramsey saw his shot brilliantly saved by Stockdale and then the rebound was followed up by Song but once again Stockdale made the save to deny the Gunners.

Ruiz provided the hosts next chance as he picked the ball up in the middle, worked his way past Song and then got to the edge of the area before hitting a shot inches wide of the post.

Coquelin was proving a good choice at left back as he got forward and beat his man before teeing up Van Persie whose shot was kept out by Stockdale.

Just before the break Ramsey managed to test Stockdale with a shot from distance, it was well hit but Stockdale was once again equal to it.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal.

Former Arsenal player Senderos went close just after the hour mark as he headed over from a Danny Murphy free-kick.

Fulham then came close again as Ruiz beat Song before chipping the ball to the far post, onto the head of Dempsey who once more, saw his header go inches wide of the post.

Ruiz was proving the difference between the two sides as he created another chance, this time his close range effort was kept out well by Szczesny.

The Gunners were then forced to play the last 15 minutes of the game with 10 men. The ball was slipped through into the path of Zamora who went down under the challenge of Djourou who was sent off for his second bookable offence of the game.

Aaron Ramsey was then brought off as Squillaci came on to make sure Arsenal still had four men at the back.

Five minutes from the end Fulham got a deserved equaliser. Szczesny's parm away only went as far as Senderos who headed the ball back into the danger area and onto the head of Sidwell who headed the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal then conceded again as Squillaci's header found Zamora who volleyed the ball home at the near post to give Fulham all three points.

The final score ended Fulham 2-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fulham: Stockdale, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Dempsey, Murphy(69), Sidwell, Zamora, Ruiz, Dembele.
Subs: Etheridge, Baird, Hughes, Gecov, Duff, Frei(69), Orlando Sa.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Coquelin, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(81), Walcott(65), Van Persie, Gervinho(74).
Subs: Almunia, Squillaci(81), Miquel, Rosicky(65), Arshavin, Benayoun(74), Chamakh.

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 25,700