Ten days ago I wrote "wiley old fox Roy Hodgson will know exactly how to further compromise a weedy Arsenal squad lacking experience", and so it proved as Arsenal fell to a dismal 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. Fulham only had to work hard in closing Arsenal down to reap dividends, they did little else to earn their victory - but it was enough, and deserved.

In the first half, chances were few and far between. On 12 minutes an Adebayor effort 20 yards from goal failed to test the keeper Mark Schwarzer and on 20 a smart cut back by Nasri fell to Van Persie in the box, but his body shape wasn't quite right, bending a curling shot wide of the left hand post.

One minute later, Fulham - who never really looked liked troubling Arsenal - took the lead. A corner from the left was flung in and Gallas struggled to win his dual with Brede Hangeland who outstretched a long leg to poke the ball past Almunia. Prior to that, two Arsenal players had made a feeble attempt to close down the corner kicker.

Arsenal almost struck back immediately, when Adebayor headed an excellent long-range cross from Sagna against the post, it was a good effort.

Overall, however, it was a particularly poor first half from Arsenal's point of view. At the back, Gallas was making unusually hard work of everything and Arsenal's midfield was dysfunctional. Nasri put in more tackles than Eboue, Denilson and Walcott combined, yet was often on a different wavelength to the two forwards ahead of him - that's understandable. Eboue cut a dismal figure, continually chasing his tail to win loose balls in midfield, likewise Denilson who never got his passing game going. Finally, Walcott, another inept display - he clearly lacks confidence and his decision-making in the final third constantly frustrates the players around him.

At half time it was clear that Arsenal would have to improve dramatically to get anything out of the game. However, despite Fulham tiring as the second half progressed, Arsenal made few in-roads. It was mostly left to set-piece free kicks from Van Persie - four in total - but none of them found the target. On the rare occasion a half-opening did appear, it was usually from distance with some almost comedic long rage strikes from several Arsenal players - it was about as far from Wengerball as you could possibly imagine.

The story of the game lies in the statistics. One shot on target from Arsenal in the entire 90 minutes. Fulham had two. Things will doubtless improve when Fabregas and Rosicky return and Wenger pulls his finger out and buys the defensive midfielder that is so desperately required, although one can't help but think that the manager's transfer dithering has already cost the club precious points, and unnecessarily so.

Almunia (7)
Had little to do and certainly was not at fault for the goal conceded. Distribution was good.
Sagna (7)
Worked tirelessly and put some good crosses in, but to no avail.
Toure (7)
Made one excellent last ditch tackle from Zamora, was generally sound.
Gallas (5)
Was meek in challenging Fulham's Hangeland who duly stabbed the ball past Almunia. Made several other hashed clearances.
Clichy (6)
Adequate performance but needs to try and find a target man when crossing from the byline - most of the time it's hit and hope.
Walcott (4)
Another poor performance; shoots when he should pass, passes when he should shoot, doesn't get involved enough and is far too easily crowbarred off the ball.
Eboue (5)
Particularly abject in the first half; couldn't get close to Fulham's hardworking midfielders. Fared better in the second-half when moved to the right wing, winning a few free kicks in dangerous areas.
Denilson (4)
Short and long-range passing both dismal - constantly giving the ball away. Put in very few tackles and disappeared from the game in spells.
Nasri (6)
Tried hard, tackled well, but clearly needs 6 months to adjust to life in the Premiership.
Adebayor (6)
Hit the post with a good header, linked up as well as he could with the players around him, but his long-range shooting wasn't poor.
Van Persie (5)
Wasted numerous set piece situations. Looked semi-dangerous but really needed to get behind the Fulham defence. Alas, a lack of creativity from the midfield prevented this.

SUBSTITUTES

Song (5)
Only had 10 minutes, came on for Toure who I presume picked up a knock.
Bendtner (5)
Had little effect despite the 25 minutes he was given.