Despite a fine performance, the Whites lose out to a last-minute Arsenal goal.
Arsenal claimed all three points at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon after grabbing two goals in the final eight minutes of play. Fulham preserved their lead for 84 minutes before Van Persie and Hleb snatched a late win for Arsenal.
Despite the loss Sanchez' side put on an impressive performance, characterised by an outstanding work ethic and an effective style of play. Fulham's strong travelling support got their first competitive view of the Manager's summer signings but Tony Warner was Fulham's outstanding player on the day.
Antti Niemi was forced out of action after picking up an injury during his pre-match warm-up and Warner stepped in. In the first half alone the big keeper pulled off several outstanding saves and commanded his area with authority.
Fulham's season got off to a flyer in the first minute when David Healy capitalised on Jens Lehmann's mistake. The German keeper gifted Healy his first Premiership goal. His clearance under pressure fell straight into the striker's range six yards from goal. Healy made no mistake with the finish. It was a dream start for the Northern Ireland international on his competitive debut.
Wenger's side attacked with their fluid passing game but Fulham's defence remained resolute during the first half. There first serious threat on goal was a penalty appeal by Van Persie on 11 minutes. Through on goal the striker tussled with Knight in the area and Van Persie went to ground. Referee Dowd was unimpressed and waved play on.
During the opening fifteen minutes Arsenal were restricted to long range efforts as Fulham looked to consolidate their lead. The Gunners most productive work came down the right hand side but Konchesky and Bouazza are players with pace in abundance and defended admirably on Fulham's left flank. Carlos Bocanegra was clearly taking no prisoners, highlighted by a crunching tackle on Van Persie in front of the technical area on 13 minutes.
Rosicky almost pulled the game level on 14 minutes. Sagna probed down the right and sent in a low cross from the byline. Rosicky connected with the cross 12 yards from goal but his right footed volley curled wide of Warner's post.
Despite Arsenal's pressure Fulham countered on several occasions during the opening period and long range efforts from Smertin, Healy and Davies forced Lehmann into saves.
On the half hour mark Tony Warner denied Rosicky twice in as many minutes. First the keeper tipped the midfielder's 30 yard effort round before pulling off a superb reflex save from eight yards out.
Fulham had a strong penalty appeal turned down before the break when Davies was tripped in the area. Racing onto a through ball the midfielder entered the box before Fabregas clipped his heels. No penalty was awarded and unfortunately for Fulham one of the game's key moments had gone the home side's way.
Before half-time Warner denied Van Persie twice. His most impressive keeping displayed an acute awareness of impeding danger, rushing from his area to spread himself at the feet of Van Persie on more than one occasion. Fulham's overall defensive play was strong. Knight and Bocanegra were commanding in the centre and Baird also shone with some last ditch tackles before the break.
Sanchez made one change for the second half with Clint Dempsey replacing Hameur Bouazza.
Two minutes into the second period Warner was there again to protect Fulham's lead. Rosicky beat Baird down the left flank but Warner once again reduced the angle and spread himself to deflect the ball away to safety.
Fulham almost doubled their lead twice before the hour. Steven Davis almost scored with a right footed shot in the area but Lehmann made up for his first half error to deny the midfielder. Fulham had several chances throughout the game and played some effective counter attacking football. On 55 minutes Davies' corner caused panic in Arsenal's area and as the ball swept across the area Carols Bocanegra came within inches of increasing Fulham's lead.
Bocanegra was booked on 60 minutes after another no-nonsense tackle in the middle of the park. Knight and Baird were forced into some last ditch tackling on the hour moments before Lawrie Sanchez introduced his big summer signing, Diomansy Kamara.
Wenger's approach was made clear for the remaining 30 minutes of the game when he replacing Emmanuel Eboue with Theo Walcott. Arsenal continued to probe but they could not find a final flourish to their fluid approach play.
With twenty minutes remaining Sanchez and Wenger made further changes. Wenger reinforced his attack, replaced Rosicky with striker Bendtner whilst Sanchez bolstered Fulham's midfield with the presence of Bouba Diop. Smertin made way for the Senegalese international.
Arsenal went on a major offensive in the final 15 minutes and Fulham's players were forced to lie deep and soak up the pressure. However Arsenal's strikers were misfiring, highlighted by Van Persie's shot on 77 minutes. The Dutch striker left footed drive from 18 yards should have tested Warner but the keeper collected with ease.
On 77 minutes Dempsey had a glorious chance to kill the game off. The American raced through Arsenal's offside trap and was through on goal with Lehmann to beat. Dempsey was stretched to connect cleanly with the ball and sent his effort wide of the far post. Fulham were left to rue their missed opportunity minutes later.
Arsenal's way back into the game came from the penalty spot. Toure burst into the area and crashed into Bocanegra. The American was adjudged to have impeded the player's progress and the spot kick was awarded. Van Persie's penalty was clinical – the Dutchman smashing his strike into the roof of the net. The Emirates erupted.
Following the goal a mass melee ensued in the area as both sets of players tussled for the ball. Warner and Flamini were booked. With two minutes remaining Lehmann almost ended the game as he started when a lack of communication in the area saw the ball trickle past the post.
Right at the death Fulham were dealt the cruellest of blows. Warner was once again on hand to deny Bendtner in the area but seconds later Hleb collected the ball 8 yards from goal and on the turn sent his right footed shot into the far corner of the net. It was a crushing end for the Whites who had stood toe to toe with the Gunners right up until the final minute.
There was no way back for Fulham in the dying seconds but despite the loss Fulham will take many positives from the game going into Wednesday night's match against Bolton Wanderers at the Cottage.