Giroud double not enough as Gunners draw to Fulham

Olivier Giroud played his best game in Arsenal colours as the Gunners played out a dramatic 3-3 against Fulham on Saturday afternoon in which Giroud grabbed 2 goals. The other Arsenal goalscorer in a thriller at the Emirates was Lukas Podolski who was due a goal having not scored in the league since September. Meanwhile Giroud's first goal of the game was the first he'd scored in the league at home. It was a tougher match than expected but it was no surprise judging by how Arsenal had played in recent weeks. However, the fans were left angry and frustrated after the Gunner's lost a 2 goal lead for the second time in 4 days. One encouraging sign was the play going forward, as Podolski, Walcott and Giroud looked much more of a threat, but the defence was once more not at it's best as Berbatov had a field day. Meanwhile Mannone hadn't done greatly for the away sides second goal. Arsenal made two changes to the side that lost to United last weekend as Koscielny came in for Santos meaning Vermaelen went to left back and Coquelin came in for the suspended Jack Wilshere.

Olivier Giroud looks to be finally finding his feet in English football

The first chance of the game went Fulham's way as the ball fell to Ruiz on the edge of the box but his shot was deflected wide by Mertesacker.

Arsenal's first shot of the match was taken on by Giroud as he drove a shot from distance but it went miles over and the chance was wasted.

On just 10 minutes the Gunners were ahead. Theo Walcott's corner found Giroud who smashed a thumping header past Schwarzer and into the back of the net. It was a perfect start for Arsenal.

Arsenal were soon two goals to the good. It was brilliant build up play down the right hand side as Arteta got to the byline before pulling the ball back to Podolski who fired the ball past Schwarzer from six yards out.

Moments after the second goal Fulham got themselves back in it. Ruiz delievered the ball into the box from the corner and into Berbatov who got away from his marker to head the ball home.

Berbatov then tried his luck from range as he picked up the ball outside the area but his shot bounced wide.

Five minutes before the break Fulham got an equaliser. Berbatov got down the right hand side and then picked out Kacaniklic whose header somehow beat Mannone and found the net.

Arsenal then had a good chance to regain the lead just before half time as Arteta's floated free-kick found Giroud but he headed over the bar.

The score at half time was 2-2.

The first chance of the second half fell to Ruiz, just as it had done at the begining of the match. It was once again an opportunity from outside the box but he drilled the ball wide.

Arsenal's first chance of the half was created by Walcott as he played a one-two with Giroud before driving towards the penalty area and curling the ball just wide with his weaker foot.

The away side though then found themselves in front as they were awarded a penalty after Arteta bundled down Ruiz. Berbatov took it and converted it comfortably for his second of the afternoon.

The Gunners immediately hit back though as Cazorla played the ball through to Giroud who then hit the post. However the ball came out to Walcott on the right who put the ball on a plate for Giroud to head home at the second attempt.

With 15 minutes left to play Berbatov had a good chance to get his hat-trick as Dejagah played the ball through to him but Koscielny slid in to deny Fulham a fourth goal.

Olivier Giroud was also looking for a hat-trick and he did well to shrug off two defenders before getting to the edge of the area and smashing a shot which Schwarzer did well to get to and tip around the post.

The Frenchman then had another fantastic opportunity to win the game for Arsenal as Sagna swung the ball in but Giroud could only direct the header wide.

However there was a better chance to come as in the dying seconds Arshavin got into the area and then crossed but only for it to be stopped by the hand of Reither which resulted in a penalty. Mikel Arteta stepped up to take it but then saw it brilliantly saved by Schwarzer and the points were shared.

The final score finished Arsenal 3-3 Fulham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Coquelin(56), Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott(84), Podolski(77), Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey(56), Arshavin(84), Oxlade-Chamberlain(77), Chamakh. 

Fulham: Schwarzer, Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Baird, Sidwell, Richardson(24), Dejagah(84), Ruiz, Berbatov. 
Subs: Stockdale, Senderos, Karagounis, Duff(84), Kacaniklic(24), Rodallega, Petric. 

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 60,093