BBC SPORT | Football | Eng Prem | Arsenal edge out Fulham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal ended a dismal sequence of four successive defeats and closed the gap on Liverpool at the Premiership summit with a narrow win at Fulham.

Arsene Wenger's side were not at their flowing best - and were grateful to take the three points thanks to Steve Marlet's first-half own goal.

Marlet sliced Thierry Henry's corner into his own net to give Arsenal a much-needed victory and reduce Liverpool's lead at the top of the table to four points.

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Fulham threatened to snatch a point in the second half, but the champions survived to leave Wenger delighted that Arsenal's season is back on track.

It was a matter of high concentration, resilience and taking chances

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Arsenal recalled Dennis Bergkamp, but were still without captain Patrick Vieira as he served the final match of a two-game suspension.

Fulham, fresh from an outstanding Uefa Cup win against Dinamo Zagreb, should have scored in the opening seconds.

Steve Finnan came in to meet Steed Malbranque's cross, but headed wide when it seemed easier to score.

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Fulham were frustrated again after nine minutes, when referee Jeff Winter turned down penalty appeals after former Arsenal striker Luis Boa Morte was bundled over by Sol Campbell.

Arsenal rode their good fortune to establish a foothold in the game, but they needed a massive slice of luck as they took the lead in the 31st minute.

Fulham striker Marlet was the villain of the piece, slicing Henry's corner past Edwin van der Sar from close range.

Arsenal could have extended their advantage seven minutes later, but Van der Sar was quick to spread himself to save from Freddie Ljungberg.

Fulham boss Tigana made a double change 10 minutes into the second half, sending on former Arsenal star Junichi Inamoto and Barry Hayles for Martin Djetou and Steed Malbranque.

Campbell was Arsenal's saviour in the 64th minute when Andy Melville's free-kick created an opening, with the England defender muscling out Marlet.

David Seaman came to Arsenal's rescue as time ran out, pushing a header from Sylvain Legwinski over the top from Inamoto's corner.

Watch a round-up of the weekend's action

Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Ouaddou, Melville, Brevett, Legwinski, Malbranque (Hayles 54), Goma, Boa Morte, Marlet, Djetou (Inamoto 54).
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Clark, Knight. Booked: Djetou.

Arsenal: Seaman, Lauren (Luzhny 65), Campbell, Cygan, Cole, Wiltord (Toure 83), Silva, Edu, Ljungberg, Henry, Bergkamp (Kanu 72).
Subs Not Used: Pires, Shaaban.

Booked: Cygan, Edu.

Attendance: 18,800.

Referee: J Winter (Cleveland).


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