FULHAM 1 ARSENAL 0 Arsenal have not enjoyed the best of times in SW6 this calendar year. In March they were unlucky to lose 2-1 at Chelsea – just one of three losses all campaign – but this time, just a mile or so west by the Thames, they deservedly slipped to their first l

Arsenal have not enjoyed the best of times in SW6 this calendar year. In March they were unlucky to lose 2-1 at Chelsea - just one of three losses all campaign - but this time, just a mile or so west by the Thames, they deservedly slipped to their first loss of the new season.

Arsene Wenger was angry at his side's poor defending as Arsenal meekly surrendered at Craven Cottage after Brede Hangeland powered past William Gallas to prod home Jimmy Bullard's 21st minute corner.

But he will be equally annoyed at the lack of fight shown by his side as they failed to master Fulham's impressive midfield pairing of Bullard and Danny Murphy. The huge travelling support made their feelings known at the final whistle.

"We were not sharp enough," said Wenger, whose side's best chance came shortly after Fulham took the lead, Emmanuel Adebayor hitting a post with a thumping header.

"We were not first enough on the ball," he added. "The corner showed that and we were punished. When you are focussed you can stop them scoring like that from the middle of the goal."

Samir Nasri, who passed a late fitness test, produced a promising display on the left, but the biggest concern was a distinct lack of leadership - Gallas, the skipper, was anonymous.