Fulham are beaten by impressive Gunners
Fulham 1 Arsenal 3
Darren Bent scored on his debut but the Shahid Khan era at Craven Cottage began with a defeat.
New Fulham owner Khan watched on as Olivier Giroud put Arsenal into a 13th minute lead, doubled by Lukas Poldolski just before the break.
Adel Taarabt forced Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny into a smart one-handed save early in the second half but Arsene Wenger’s side were in control and Podolski drilled in a third.
Substitute Darren Bent turned in Dimitar Berbatov’s low cross but it proved a mere consolation.
In spite of the defeat, there were bright spots for Fulham boss Martin Jol.
Recent signings Scott Parker and Taarabt settled in well on their home debuts and Pajtim Kasami again excelled in midfield.
But it was Arsenal who looked the most threatening and they made the breakthrough when Aaron Ramsey’s mishit shot squirmed through to Giroud, who toe poked the ball past the advancing David Stockdale.
Fulham almost hit back instantly but Szczesny produced a double save to keep out Taarabt and Damien Duff.
But while Jol’s side looked lively in attack, their immobile defence struggled to cope with the pace and verve of Arsenal’s forward line, with Theo Walcott particularly dangerous.
The England winger created Arsenal’s second five minutes before half-time when his shot was parried by Stockdale into the path of Podolski, who lashed home the rebound.
Fulham were immediately on the front foot in the second half with Taarabt’s low drive being turned round the post by Szczesny.
But Arsenal’s efficient use of the ball kept them firmly in control and they stretched their lead midway through the second half, Santi Cazorla setting up Podolski for a low shot into the far corner.
Bent had come on earlier in the half as Fulham changed their shape and he marked his first Fulham appearance with a goal, tapping in Berbatov’s centre from close range.
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Stockdale; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Parker, Sidwell (Karagounis 74); Duff (Bent 58), Kasami, Taarabt (Kacaniklic 62); Berbatov.
Subs not used: Briggs, Boateng, Ruiz, Etheridge.
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