Podolski puts Arsenal clear at Fulham
metro
Arsenal are closing in on their first points of the season after leading Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
Olivier Giroud had put Arsenal in front after just 13 minutes, before Lukas Podolski doubled the advantage just before the break.
The Gunners, in desperate need of a confidence booster, made an excellent start to the match, with Theo Walcott and Giroud both creating half-chances.
But Arsene Wengers side didnt have to wait long to convert them into goals, with Giroud clipping in a deflected Aaron Ramsey shot for 1-0 after 13 minutes.
Damien Duff and Scott Parker had chances to level it up shortly after, but Arsenal stepped on the gas and made it 2-0 just before half-time.
Walcotts drilled shot was spilled by David Stockdale, and Podolski was on hand to hammer the ball into the net.
The German then bagged his second in the second period, lashing home after good work from Santi Cazorla.
Darren Bent, off the bench on his debut, grabbed a late conciliation to make it 3-1.
FULHAM: Stockdale; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Duff, Parker, Sidwell, Taarabt; Kasami; Berbatov
ARSENAL: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Rosicky, Ramsey; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud
Olivier Giroud had put Arsenal in front after just 13 minutes, before Lukas Podolski doubled the advantage just before the break.
The Gunners, in desperate need of a confidence booster, made an excellent start to the match, with Theo Walcott and Giroud both creating half-chances.
But Arsene Wengers side didnt have to wait long to convert them into goals, with Giroud clipping in a deflected Aaron Ramsey shot for 1-0 after 13 minutes.
Damien Duff and Scott Parker had chances to level it up shortly after, but Arsenal stepped on the gas and made it 2-0 just before half-time.
Walcotts drilled shot was spilled by David Stockdale, and Podolski was on hand to hammer the ball into the net.
The German then bagged his second in the second period, lashing home after good work from Santi Cazorla.
Darren Bent, off the bench on his debut, grabbed a late conciliation to make it 3-1.
FULHAM: Stockdale; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Duff, Parker, Sidwell, Taarabt; Kasami; Berbatov
ARSENAL: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Rosicky, Ramsey; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud
