Arsenal boss questions players' desire after Fulham loss (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Arsenal boss questions players' desire after Fulham loss

10:16am Sunday 24th August 2008 in

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ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger criticised his players for lacking desire following the 1-0 defeat at Fulham yesterday.

An off-colour Gunners performance was punished by Brede Hangeland's first half effort, the giant defender stabbing home from Jimmy Bullard's corner.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed against a post and Robin Van Persie went close in the opening period, but Arsenal needed a greater attacking threat.

But it was the pyhsical approach adopted by Fulham that most caused Wenger's troops trouble.

And the Frenchman said: "When you want to play at the top you must start the game with the right attitude and personality.

"That's what we didn't do and that's a good learning lesson. It was the kind of game where you couldn't afford a mistake at the back or at a set piece.

"I believe they wanted it a bit more than us in the first half and the corner (when they scored) shows that."

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott (Bendtner 65), Eboue, Denilson, Nasri, Adebayor, Van Persie. Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Ramsey, Song Billong, Wilshere, Djourou, Gibbs.