Bobby Zamora's last-gasp volley saw Fulham complete
an incredible comeback against 10-man Arsenal at Craven
Cottage.
The England international's goal deep into stoppage
time helped the Cottagers start 2012 in the best possible
manner on a bitterly cold night in west London.
Arsenal had looked set to secure a fifth victory in
six away matches thanks to unlikely hero Laurent Koscielny's
first half header.
Defeat, though, would have been cruel on a Fulham after
a spirited performance and the game's dimensions changed
12 minutes from time when Johan Djourou was sent off
for a second bookable offence.
Martin Jol's side unleashed a barrage of attacks as
they searched for an equaliser, which came when Steve
Sidwell nodded home from close range in the 85th minute.
The drama did not stop there, though, as Fulham's continued
to exert pressure that resulted in Zamora firing home
in stoppage time.
Heading into the match Arsene Wenger resisted the temptation
to rest in-form Robin van Persie, although his hand
was forced in terms of a defensive alteration.
Francis Coquelin was drafted in as makeshift left-back
due to the Gunners' growing injury problems, with Thomas
Vermaelen the latest to pick up a knock on New Year's
Eve.
Gervinho was the north Londoners' only other change,
while counterpart Jol brought in Zamora and Sidwell.
The former returned after a spell out with an Achilles
injury and led an attack-minded Cottagers line-up, although
the home side spent most of the opening exchanges on
the back foot.
Gervinho twice blazed over for the north Londoners
and Aaron Ramsey got away a shot on goal under pressure.
Arsenal could not match their bright start with midfield
guile, though, and Wojciech Szczesny was forced into
action to stop Zamora taking advantage in the 10th minute.
The home side's spirited opening was almost undone
three minutes later when former Gunners defender Philippe
Senderos upended Gervinho in the box.
The Ivory Coast international seemed to have his legs
swiped away but referee Lee Probert waved away the penalty
appeals.
The visiting support felt aggrieved by the decision
but were soon able to celebrate breaking the deadlock.
Ramsey found space to put in a cross from the left
that, having taken a kind deflection off Stephen Kelly,
was headed home by Koscielny from six yards.
Arsenal thought they had doubled their advantage almost
immediately but were thwarted by some world-class goalkeeping
by David Stockdale.
The England squad member stopped a close-range Ramsey
drive, a miscued Sidwell clearance and then a Gervinho
effort during a penalty box melee.
Stockdale was called into action once more when van
Persie flicked a shot on target, which came after Bryan
Ruiz shot just wide at the other end.
The Costa Rica international was proving dangerous
against Arsenal's makeshift left flank and thought he
had won Fulham a penalty after being fouled by Alex
Song.
Jol's side looked geed up as half-time approached and
Zamora headed wide after some combative play on the
left, before Stockdale was called into action to stop
Ramsey.
The Cottagers looked rejuvenated after the break and
Ruiz fired a snatched half-volley wide inside two minutes
of the restart, before Sidwell and Moussa Dembele came
close.
The former then hit an audacious 30-yard drive as Fulham
looked for an equaliser, which almost came when Senderos
headed a Danny Murphy free-kick inches over.
Jol's side were looking dangerous in the air and came
closer still through Clint Dempsey, who met a floated
Ruiz ball with a darted header that just evaded the
far post.
The latter was guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance
in the 75th minute, firing straight at Szczesny from
12 yards when unmarked.
Fulham's hopes of finding a leveller were boosted three
minutes later when Djourou was sent off for a second
bookable offence.
Jol's side pushed forward in numbers and found a way
past Arsenal's backline with five minutes remaining.
Ruiz's corner was headed back across goal by Senderos
after Szczesny parried and Sidwell headed home from
close range.
Fulham continued to press forward and eked out a winner
deep into stoppage time, with Zamora volleying home
from close range.
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