Arsenal aim to relieve pressure against Fulham

While embattled manager Arsene Wenger continues to fend off scathing criticisms about his frugality in the transfer market, the Gunners attempt to relieve some pressure today against Fulham in the lunchtime kickoff.Arsenal entered this season looking to end an eight-year championship drought since the squad dubbed “The Invincibles” went unbeaten to win the club’s most […]

While embattled manager Arsene Wenger continues to fend off scathing criticisms about his frugality in the transfer market, the Gunners attempt to relieve some pressure today against Fulham in the lunchtime kickoff.
Arsenal entered this season looking to end an eight-year championship drought since the squad dubbed “The Invincibles” went unbeaten to win the club’s most recent Premier League title in 2003-04.
They followed it up with the FA Cup the next season, but haven’t lifted a competitive trophy of any kind since.
It’s becoming an issue, particularly for Wenger.
The beleaguered manager has been sharply criticised for not making a significant signing in the transfer window, while the club seems content chasing another top-four finish and qualification for the Champions League.
Those perceived plans got off to a rocky start last weekend, when the Gunners wasted an early lead and were beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa at the Emirates. They left the field to a chorus of boos from a frustrated fan base saddled with the most expensive tickets in the Premier League.
“We start a new season with a defeat at home,” Wenger said. “It’s a massive blow.”
Another loss may only increase the pressure since Arsenal haven’t started a season with two straight defeats since 1992.
Wenger may be hoping they’ve at least tempered some of the anger of supporters after beating Fenerbahce 3-0 in Turkey in the first leg of the Champions League playoff. The Gunners host the return leg Tuesday.
Before that, they’ll attempt to make it back-to-back victories at Craven Cottage for the first time since reeling off five straight from 2001-06.
Unlike Arsenal, Fulham are off to an impressive start and in position to begin a season with back-to-back victories for the first time in the Premier League.
The Cottagers opened this season with a 1-0 win at Sunderland last weekend, when Pajtim Kasami headed in his first goal for the club.
“It was a good start to the season for us,” defender Sascha Riether told the team’s official website. “You never really know after preseason how we will be in the Barclays Premier League, how the team will perform and how fit everyone will be.”
In an effort to continue shoring things up defensively, Fulham signed midfielder Scott Parker from Tottenham this week. The midfielder, who has 18 caps for England, was troubled by injuries last season, but could be in line for his team debut.
“(Parker) works tirelessly for his team and is a fantastic player both on and off the ball,” manager Martin Jol said. “It is wonderful to see a player of his stature playing for Fulham.”
The move may only add to the firestorm for Wenger, who continues to deflect questions about Arsenal’s inactivity in the transfer window, which closes Sept. 2.
“It is like a poker game,” Wenger said. “People hold their cards as long as possible and see what is happening out there.”