This encounter got off to a lively start with both sides looking eager to attack. Aaron Ramsey forced David Stockdale into making a routine save early on as the visitors got out of the blocks quickly. But good play from Fulham and Bobby Zamora in particular, redressed the balance and ensured an entertaining opening few moments.

Gervinho volleyed over from close range after the ball found him lurking in a dangerous position at the back post on eight minutes. Steve Sidwell was certainly making his presence felt in the middle of the park, winning possession back for the Whites in key areas.

Arsenal took the lead on 21 minutes through Lauren Koscielny who had the simple task of heading past David Stockdale from close range, the cross from Aaron Ramsey took a slight deflection allowing it to drop invitingly to the Arsenal centre back.

The Fulham goal line then came under intense pressure following the goal and only a fine double save from Stockdale prevented the Gunners from extending their lead. The Fulham goalkeeper denied Ramsey and Song in quick succession.

Arsenal continued to press and the Whites needed a number of clearances on the edge of their penalty area to alleviate the danger. But Fulham soon started to regain their foothold on the game and create a number of encouraging situations – the most promising of which saw Bryan Ruiz have a penalty appeal turned down after going to ground under a challenge from Alex Song.

A cross from John Arne Riise soon after found the head of Bobby Zamora but his glanced header flew just wide of Szczesny’s left-hand post.

Arsenal continued to threaten on the break with the pace of Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott a major factor of concern for the Whites.

Bryan Ruiz warmed the palms of Szczesny early in the second-half as Fulham made all the running in the opening moments. Bobby Zamora was certainly seeing more of the ball than in the first-half, receiving a number of long passes and successfully involving his team-mates.

Certainly Arsenal appeared to be missing the penetrative attacking play that characterised their first-half display – with Fulham successfully preventing the counter-attack. However, the visitors were quick to establish their defensive shape once out of possession, leaving the Whites to try and thread their way through two banks of four players.

John Arne Riise grew in the second-half as an attacking force with a number of forward runs keeping Johan Djourou confined to his defensive post. A 63rd minute header from Philippe Senderos almost got Fulham back on level terms after Szczesny failed to reach Danny Murphy’s dangerous delivery.

Fulham were getting closer and Clint Dempsey climbed high above his marker soon after only to place his header just wide of the post after a cross from Bryan Ruiz. Kerim Frei replaced Danny Murphy as the game entered its final phase.

Szczesny then produced a vital save on 74 minutes to keep out Bryan Ruiz’s goal bound effort out. The Costa Rica international met the ball well with his instep but Koscielny spread himself well.

Johan Djourou was shown his second yellow card of the match on 77 minutes after he brought down Bobby Zamora in a dangerous position on the edge of the area – making for a dramatic finale.

The equaliser that Fulham has threatened for so long finally came in the 85th minute when Szczesny failed to deal with a ball into the penalty area. Philippe Senderos planted a header back into the danger zone where Steve Sidwell was waiting to nod home from one yard out. 

Fulham pressed for the winner and the grandstand finish was complete when Bobby Zamora volleyed home from the edge of the six yard box – capping a wonderful comeback display from the Whites.

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