There were no surprises in Arsene Wenger's team selection and, thankfully, there were none on the pitch either. It wasn't a perfect game from the Gunners but an eight minute spell of exceptional efficiency and clinical finishing settled the game midway through the second half.
It followed patterns that we've seen in many recent games so I won't dwell on them.
Congratulations to Wigan for their FA Cup success. Regular readers know they're one of my favourite teams from among the so-called smaller clubs. Martinez is an impressive young manager and his players have produced some entertaining, high quality football over the years. It's good to see their work rewarded.
Arsenal have been starting games well off late but this was something special. If I'm not mistaken, QPR only had one touch after kick-off before Walcott slotted the ball home. That was a bad one though, and a big part of the problem for the hosts, as Traore headed a ball straight across the face of his penalty area.
This game is a spin doctor's dream. Consider the following
QPR have been relegated and have nothing to play for, their players lack motivation and have underperformed all season, so they'll be lazy and disjointed.
The R's are going down and have nothing more to lose so they'll play without fear or pressure.
For many it's the end of an era and a number of observers have witnessed a change of guard at the top of European football. There are also those who wish to be more patient and see how the vanquished respond. Whether you belong to one of these categories or have an entirely different view, one thing is for certain, Bayern's sheer dominance over Barcelona over two legs and the nature of their wins have given everyone some food for thought.
For many it's the end of an era and a number of observers have witnessed a change of guard at the top of European football. There are also those who wish to be more patient and see how the vanquished respond. Whether you belong to one of these categories or have an entirely different view, one thing is for certain, Bayern's sheer dominance over Barcelona over two legs and the nature of their wins have given everyone some food for thought.
Before the game most Arsenal fans would have taken a draw against Manchester United, and the point against Ferguson's side could still prove to be a useful one. The way I see it, if the Gunners fall short by a couple of points, I would look at many other games where they've not been at their best before looking at this one.
Before the game most Arsenal fans would have taken a draw against Manchester United, and the point against Ferguson's side could still prove to be a useful one. The way I see it, if the Gunners fall short by a couple of points, I would look at many other games where they've not been at their best before looking at this one.
The champions-elect will receive a guard of honour at the Emirates on Sunday while Robin van Persie could receive something quite to the contrary from the fans. Those are interesting but minor subplots as the twists and turns in Arsenal's quest for the Champions League places will surely take centre stage once the game begins.
The champions-elect will receive a guard of honour at the Emirates on Sunday while Robin van Persie could receive something quite to the contrary from the fans. Those are interesting but minor subplots as the twists and turns in Arsenal's quest for the Champions League places will surely take centre stage once the game begins.
A win against a team that has proven hard to beat in the last four meetings spread over more than two and a half years is definitely worth cherishing. In some ways this win over the Cottagers showed why Wenger's team has kept on securing one of the top four spots over the last four seasons despite being written off on a constant basis.
A win against a team that has proven hard to beat in the last four meetings spread over more than two and a half years is definitely worth cherishing. In some ways this win over the Cottagers showed why Wenger's team has kept on securing one of the top four spots over the last four seasons despite being written off on a constant basis.
The Cottagers have proven to be tricky opponents for the Gunners over the last few seasons. Arsenal last won against Fulham in 2010! And in the last 9 meetings between the sides the Gunners have won only 3. All those three came in a row starting with that heroic effort from Mannone in 2009.
It's difficult to single out a reason for this because Fulham have had three different managers over that 9 game period.
The Cottagers have proven to be tricky opponents for the Gunners over the last few seasons. Arsenal last won against Fulham in 2010! And in the last 9 meetings between the sides the Gunners have won only 3. All those three came in a row starting with that heroic effort from Mannone in 2009.
It's difficult to single out a reason for this because Fulham have had three different managers over that 9 game period.
