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The stats and facts – 11 things you SHOULD know about Arsenal and Fulham

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Here are 11 things you should know about Arsenal and Fulham prior to this afternoons kick-off at The Emirates Stadium:

1. Arsenal fell victim to the skills of their former star striker Robin van Persie as they were dominated in a 2-1 defeat away to Man United last weekend. The continued return to fitness of midfielder Jack Wilshere, despite his second-half dismissal, was one of the few bright spots in a poor showing from Arsenal, who grabbed a late consolation through Santi Carzola.

2. Carzola has been one of the Arsenal players to gain praise from the critics this season, and produced a technically good performance against United with a fantastic work ethic. He covered 7.05 miles against in that game, the 8th highest total from a player this season.

3. Carzola’s mileage was also the highest from any Arsenal player, while the 64.45 miles covered by The Gunners as a team was their best performance of the season.

4. Mikel Arteta could do with improving the consistency of his defensive duties. He’s been pulled up by the referee 22 times so far this season, more than any other Arsenal player.

5. Prior to his injury, Kieran Gibbs was doing more than enough to enhance his international credentials. He has a tackle success rate of 85%.

6. Much of Arsenal’s attacking threat in recent weeks appears to be going through the diminutive Spaniard as well. He’s had 20 shots on goal so far this season, his nearest rival being Olivier Giroud with 13.

7. Fulham denied Everton all three points last time out, as a last ditch equalizer gave them a point in a match where they were largely outclassed by the Merseyside opponents. Mark Schwarzer kept The Cottagers in the match for large parts of the game, with Martin Jol’s side showing grit if lacking in quality on the day.

8. Schwarzer made 12 saves in the game in total, the most by a keeper in any single match this season.

9. Bryan Ruiz clocked up the most miles last time out against Everton, running 6.28 miles.

10. Steve Sidwell has been excellent in defence for Fulham so far this campaign. His 22 successful tackles is the highest of any Fulham players, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

11. John Arne Riise showcased, against Everton, that he still has plenty of speed to deal with the best the Premier League has to offer. He was The Cottager’s quickest player on the day, being clocked at 20.45mph by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

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