There has been very little news about the Arsenal defender Thoms Vermaelen since Arsene Wenger revealed that the Gunners medical team had very little idea of what actually was the solution to the Belgian internationals achilles problem.

Wenger said three weeks ago: “We have to be patient. We know a lot medically nowadays but there are some mysteries that we do not know about. At the moment we have no rational explanation for his pain. That means there is no reason to have surgery and there is no logical explanation for his pain. We have to be patient and just hope it will go. That means rest at the moment.”

A few days ago, Wenger told the Arsenal fans that his first-choice centre-back had his ankle in a “boot” and they were waiting for his reaction. Well today the Mirror reveals that he has been pencilled in for a return to action with the Arsenal first team before the end of the month, which means he could be ready for the massive local derby against Double Champions Chelsea.

Even more importantly, if Vermaelen reacts well and the injury doesn’t return, it will negate the need for Wenger to buy another defender in the transfer window, and the Gunners defence will e strengthened considerably in time for the Champions League knockout stages.

Another hard fought game and another three important points won. At the moment we are not making things easy for our selves as we are not convincing. Still the result is what matters and the outcome has taken us to the top of the League.

Overall the team showed good spirit but we need to work on our niggling defensive problems. Our full backs were exceptional today along with the keeper. The centre backs position was where the mistakes were occurring. It was quite visible that there was no communication among the players at the back and no one took charge of the situation. The midfielders also failed to make impact today. They did well in patches though. Upfront, Arshavin and Nasri made the difference today. Nasri was splendid and his individual brilliance got us the goals whereas Arshavin created the chances. Chamakh helped  a lot  but failed to take his own chances.

Coming to player ratings: 

Fabianski: Made a brilliant saves near the end of both the halves. Not at fault for the goal and did well on most occasions. Made one bad judgment but thankfully we didn’t concede on that occasion. 7

Sagna: He was brilliant today again. Combined well with Nasri and at the back didn’t allow any penetration. Some of his crosses were also good. 7

Squillaci: After a good first few games, Squillaci really looks very nervous and shaky at the back. Was partially at fault for the goal. He does his job but at times he completely loses it.  He needs to be a leader at the back. He needs to communicate to bring calmness at the back. Some of his clearances were also not good today. 6

Koscielny: Was on for the time when we were dominating. Did his job, although, he too needs to communicate with the players around him. Hopefully his injury is not serious. 6

Clichy: Good performance by the Frenchman. He was early onto many balls and made some good interceptions. Defended really well under pressure and contributed going forward also. This is what we want from him in every game. 7.5

Song: Not a very influential game from Song. Committed a lot of mistakes and gave the ball on more than a few occasions. Lost quite a few battles in the middle too. 5.5

Wilshere: Also failed to make an impact today. The start was good by him but he switched off when Fulham started to press and put pressure on us. 6

Rosicky: Tried hard but couldn’t impose himself on the game. Dropped down deep to get the balls and helped in defending. Brought in players upfront into the game but at times made one pass to many. Needs to take his chances with shots on goal. 6.5

Nasri: Simply awesome! He was completely on a different level today. The way he took both his goals shows that he is intelligent, he has quality, he has skill, he has patience and above all he knows how to respond. Apart from that he also made some good runs and opened up spaces for others. He is by far our best and influential player this season. 9.5 

Chamakh: He worked hard and helped the team in defence. He also held up the ball nicely but didn’t do the job that he should do as a striker i.e. to let loose a shot when through on goal. In the first half he passed the ball back and the chance was lost. In the second he was waiting for a teammate before shooting the ball over the bar after realizing no one was there. Needs to work on taking his chances. 6.5

Arshavin: Apart from not scoring goals, he had a great game in terms of creating chances. The first thirty minutes of the game he was on fire. Every chance that was created was through him and he himself took his shots. Went anonymous in few parts of the game though. He helped in the defence too and importantly got another assist. 8

Subs:

Djourou: After a shaky start really did well at the back. Won almost all of his duels and aerially was dominant. Made some good interceptions and dealt with pressure nicely. Had one or two bad moments but covered up for them with nice positional awareness. He too is improving every game. 7.5

Van Persie: Wasn’t brought into the game much but when he was brought it produced a goal. An assist to his name as he needs more games to get back to his best. 6.5

Walcott: Failed to do anything when he had the ball. He is not looking confident and doesn’t know what to do with ball. No ratings for him.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes felt Samir Nasri was the only difference between his side and Arsenal as the Gunners claimed a 2-1 triumph at the Emirates.France star Nasri showed jaw-dropping composure to prevent his side dropping yet more points at home. Both goals - his 10th and 11th of the season - were fit to win any game and sandwiched Diomansy Kamara`s leveller."Obviously, the boy Nasri has been playing at the top of his form in recent weeks," said Hughes, who revealed young full-back Matthew Briggs was substituted after taking a knock and being given a torrid time by the Frenchman."I think we probably edged it in terms of chances we created and pressure and momentum that we built during the game. But, as most top teams have, they have individuals who can win the game for their team when, possibly, the team isn't functioning as well."Nasri is an excellent footballer, great feet, and once he gets in those positions in the area it's very difficult to stop him."From our point of view, we're happy with the performance. I thought we showed real belief in what we were trying to do, took the game to Arsenal and caused them problems. At the end of the game, the crowd were asking for the final whistle."