Soccer Blog Video

Arsenal secured maximum points at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground; an arena they struggled in last season. Young gun Vito Mannone showed he could become the don of goalkeeping, as he put on a masterclass of blocks and saves to ensure his sheet remained clean.

The Gunners' title ambitions could have taken a serious dent on Saturday afternoon should they have suffered a similar fate to the one bestowed upon them last season. After setbacks against the two sides of Manchester, a return to winning ways was a mandatory requirement.

Fulham made Arsenal work for the result. A swift bombardment of Arsenal's goal ensued during the opening half, as Mannone was called into action to deny Andy Johnson following a well-timed header. Clint Dempsey was first to react, but Mannone 21, blocked the American's passage to goal.