Van Persie 51

Robin Van Persie’s second half goal gave Arsenal a fortunate victory against a stylish Fulham side, who were denied at least a share of the spoils by a fine display from young Italian keeper Vito Mannone.

The much-maligned 21–year-old, in only his third EPL appearance, produced a string of saves in either half, the best of which was a double block from Andy Johnson’s header and the follow-up from US international striker Clint Dempsey.

Mannone denied Johnson again after the break, as well as Zoltan Gera, after a sublime three-man move from Roy Hodgson’s men.

When Dempsey’s right-foot drive was deflected past him in the closing stages, his left-hand post came to his rescue.

But he was once again in the right place at the right time later in the game to save Bobby Zamora’s close-range header from Paul Konchesky’s free-kick.

It had been an uncharacteristically flat display from the Gunners in the first half, with only a skied Andrei Arshavin effort to show for their endeavours.

They began to move the ball rather quicker after half-time and it was during this spell that they made the all-important breakthrough.

Cesc Fabregas lobbed the ball delightfully into Van Persie’s path on the edge of the penalty area, and the Dutchman’s control and right-foot shot in one movement was too quick for Fulham’s full-stretch keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Schwarzer was up to speed moments later when he made a fine save from Nicklas Bentdner’s low right-foot shot. And Arsenal briefly threatened to take control.

But they were left hanging on in the closing stages and had Mannone to thank for their unusually scrappily-earned three points.

Hodgson lamented: “It was one of those games where you take heart from the performance but you have to put a brave face on when you lose.”