Before last night's match, Arsene Wenger called on the Arsenal players to "make a statement" with their performance. The statement they made was that they didn’t have the drive, energy and belief to beat United on their own patch for the first time since 2006.

Though the Gunners held plenty of possession they barely mustered much of an attacking threat and were unable to rock United back on their heels let alone land any sort of killer blow. More worrying though was general lethargy that pervaded the whole Arsenal performance. Considering what a huge game it was - and that Arsenal went there as league leaders - it was mystifying as to why they looked so sluggish throughout.

Another Trip to Manchester Ends in Despondency©PA Photos

Two moments of sparkling brilliance from Samir Nasri were just about enough to see off a determined Fulham team at Ashburton Grove and send Arsenal top of the table.

It was hardly a classic performance. In fact, it was another stuttering home display which saw the Gunners look completely on top one moment and nervously under the cosh the next. They started both halves brightly and purposefully but Fulham had their moments. And, in fact, for the larger part of the second half the visitors looked the most likely team to grab a second goal and the more probable winners - that is, until Nasri’s second intervention.

Samir Nasri Brilliantly Turns in His Second Goal©Getty Images