Gunners rally downs Fulham

The Cottagers had taken a shock lead after just 52 seconds through David Healy following a terrible mistake by Gunners goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

However, a late penalty from Robin van Persie and Hleb's strike in the 90th minute finally broke the brave resistance of replacement goalkeeper Tony Warner, who had started after Antti Niemi injured himself during the warm-up.

Life without Thierry Henry may have got off to a winning start, but manager Arsene Wenger will know performances, particularly at the back, will have to improve significantly if the Gunners are to again challenge for the Barclays Premier League title.

Fulham - much changed from the team which only just survived last season - had raced into the lead before many of the spectators had taken their seats.

Alexei Smertin played a ball forwards down the right, full-back Gael Clichy tapped it back to Lehmann - only for the German to make a complete hash of an attempted return pass, striking the ball against his left leg and gifting possession to Healy.

The Northern Ireland international - a £1.5million summer signing from Leeds - could not believe his luck and promptly slotted into a empty net for a first Premier League goal after only 52 seconds.

Tomas Rosicky and Hleb both spurned chances to haul Arsenal back in the game before the hosts were awarded a penalty when Carlos Bocanegra body-checked Kolo Toure as the defender weaved into the box - Van Persie smashing the ball into the roof of the net to level the scores.

Substitute Nicklas Bendtner had a late effort blocked by Warner, before the stand-in keeper was eventually beaten again by Hleb - who slotted in from 12 yards to snatch victory.