Gunners below standard - Wenger - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Brede Hangeland's first-half strike ensured the Gunners suffered an early blow to their title ambitions - and Wenger, who has insisted he has a team capable of finishing top, admitted the Gunners got what they deserved.

"We were not sharp enough in the first half, and our passing was certainly not as good as we expect it to be. I don't know why," he said.

"You have to give credit to Fulham; they played very well and they started sharper than us," he added. "We dominated the second half, but I felt in the last 25 minutes we were too nervous and wanted to just hit the ball up there rather than create a chance.

"Of course it is a setback. But the result is there, and we have to make up for it by winning the next match. We have a big game on Wednesday in the Champions League and need to improve.

"We paid a big price for the mistake on their goal. We should be able to cope with a corner when it comes in at low level like that."

Wenger had to agree when it was suggested his team might already be playing catch-up against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

He said: "You are right. That is a fact - but we have to face it because from all our possession we could not produce many chances. Frankly, the performance was just not good enough."

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was delighted with the three points against "one of the best teams in the country" - especially after last week's 2-1 defeat at promoted Hull.

He said: "I thought we played well for 70 minutes but perhaps in the last 15 or 20 we were guilty of trying too hard to just cling on to the lead and moved away from the style. I can understand that. Perhaps we got tired because there was a lot of pressure, but we have to be realistic and say it is the consistency to play well for 90 minutes that we need."