Arsenal’s soft underbelly was very nearly exposed again during their slender victory over Fulham but considering they have been leaking goals on their travels lately, a clean sheet of any description will be welcomed with open arms. And while it’s true that keeping the opposition at bay for 90 minutes is a step in the right direction, it was only a tentative one, as opposed to one of confidence and conviction.   At Craven Cottage, they had Manuel Almunia’s young understudy Vito Mannone to thank, as the Italian made a string of fine saves to thwart the vibrant Cottagers.   But the problem for Arsenal is if their fragile beauty is to be dissected by better opposition, then whoever is in goal will be picking the ball out of the net with alarming regularity.

The Gunners were quite rightly lauded for their pressing and hounding in the early stages of the season, and with the addition of Belgian Thomas Vermaelen they looked far securer at the back.

Collectively, the defence and midfield were extremely solid and they didn’t look like giving cheap goals away – until they visited Manchester.

They were in control for long spells at Old Trafford and Eastlands before going into meltdown, while they escaped a woeful start at Liege in their Champions League opener. It is obvious the team is missing the character and leadership to ease them through pivotal moments in matches.

While many Arsenal fans lament the presence of a midfield powerhouse, at least they demonstrated for an hour in both defeats to the Manchester sides that they could press and harry the opposition, not allow them to settle and nullify any serious threat.

They excelled at it for 60 minutes, so there is no reason why they can’t do it for 90. It simply comes down to mental strength and composure when it matters.   If Arsenal’s players can get to grips with the fear that has inhibited them, then they will be a force to be reckoned with because they have so much to offer going forward. Robin van Persie on a technical level is the equal of any striker around and produced a moment of individual brilliance to earn three points against Roy Hodgson’s outfit.   One criticism of Arsene Wenger’s side is that they can’t win often enough when they play badly, so that is one positive to take from their victory at Fulham.   But generally one or two are culpable when a steady head is needed, and unless the Gunners get it right at both ends of the pitch it is likely to be a topsy-turvy and ultimately, frustrating season.