Gooner Talk

Fulham defender John Paintsil may regret his horror challenge on Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Eboue if the FA view television footage of the tackle which occured during the Gunners’ surprise 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage.

Several television pundits pointed out that Referee Martin Atkinson was in a good position to witness the hack-down, despite that, Atkinson failed to show a card and unbelievable gave a free kick Fulham’s way.

The FA, aware of the game’s tarnished image, having launched their new “Respect” programme, could show the film to Atkinson, whose view of the incident may have been obscured.

Arsenal had a day to forget at the Cottage, while Fulham led from the 21st minute, shortly after Robin van Persie missed a sitter when new boy Samir Nasri’s mis-kick from Theo Walcott’s cross left the Dutchman a gaping goal to aim at from eight yards.

Arsene Wenger’s side play the return leg of the Champions League third round qualifying against FC Twente on Wednesday evening with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos expected to be back for the tie in which Arsenal hold a 2-0 aggregate lead.

You can follow all the build up to that game – as well as every other Arsenal first team match – here on Gooner Talk.

Craven Cottage has traditionally been a successful hunting ground for Wenger’s Arsenal, but a Fulham side boasting several new signings looked to bounce back from their opening day defeat by Hull.

Arsenal on the other hand, looked to continue from where they left off against West Brom with another 3 points hopefully going their way.

Fulham Starting XI

Schwarzer
Paintsil – Hughes – Hangeland – Kallio
Bullard - Davies - Murphy – Gera
Zamora – Seol

Arsenal Starting XI

Almunia
Sagna – Toure - Gallas- Clichy
Walcott – Eboue – Denilson – Nasri
Adebayor – van Persie

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