The Gunners bounced back well from the disappointing loss to Spurs by handing Aston Villa their first home defeat of the season. Having had things their own way in the first half, Wenger’s side showed the resolve which sees them hold the best away record in the league to hold off a spirited Villa fight-back.
The Cottagers have yet to win away from home this season and though they’ve lost just four games home and away from fifteen played, all of those losses have come in their last eight games. A run which has seen them pick up just six points from a possible twenty-four. Since Zamora’s injury against Wolves, four games in to the season, they’ve scored more than one goal just once and with Andy Johnson still struggling with niggling injuries following his long lay-off they’re relying on their defence to keep them in games.
This should be an open invitation for Arsenal to go all out in attack. Having started the season with sixteen goals in their first three home games in all competitions, things have been a little tighter since, especially in the league but if the manager sets them on the offensive from the start they could rack up a few against a struggling Fulham.
The visitors do have a very dogged defensive style but on the expansive Emirates pitch they could find themselves stretched if Arsenal move the ball quickly and get it out wide as often as possible. The match price of 3/10 is one for the accumulators but Arsenal -1 is a decent 5/6, while if you feel there is a romp on the way Arsenal -2 goals is 23/10 and Arsenal -3 goals is 5/1.
The pace of Walcott could be very effective down the wings and if he does start, he’s well priced at 6/1 to score first. The England international has started just three games and has scored the opening goal in two of them. Samir Nasri is enjoying his best spell since joining the club and has been one of the stand-out performers this season. He has scored the first goal twice this season and has already equalled his best league total in an Arsenal shirt with six goals in eleven starts. At 5/1 to break the deadlock and 13/10 to score anytime, the French midfielder could continue to be a money-maker.
The form guides say this will be tight, if you agree then Arsenal 1-0 at 6/1 and 2-1 at 7/1 are the bets for you. However, something seemed to click in the second half against Aston Villa and if the home side go for the jugular we could be looking at 4-0 at 12/1 or maybe even 5-0 at 25/1.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
