Fulham slip further

Even the most optimistic of Fulham fans expected to get nothing at The Emirates today. In fact I think most would have taken a defeat that didn't fatally wound goal difference.

So a 3-1 reverse shouldn't have been that much of disappointment, but the manner of the defeat was hard to take.

After conceding within the first 5 minutes, Arsenal once again missed a hatful of chances and to get in at the break only 1-0 down was a great outcome.

In the 2nd half Arsenal went to sleep, Diop began to boss the midfield and thanks to the antics of Jens Lehmann Fulham got back in the game with a great finish from Simon Davies.

With just 10 minutes left and a vital and unexpected point almost in the bag, Fulham and their caretaker boss Lawrie Sanchez showed incredibe naivety and tried to win the match.

Gung-Ho football against Arsenal is asking for trouble and with Right Back Volz the furthest player forward and 5 others committed to attack, Fulham were picked off with ease by one of the best counter attacking outfits in Europe.

Fulham have now won just once in half a season, and with the hapless egomaniac Lawrie Sanchez in charge it looks unlikely that they will pick up a win in their 2 remaining games (Liverpool H and Middlesboro A).

As Fulham's slide continues, the cards just keep falling into place for West Ham. Their final home game of the season against Bolton has just been made all the easier by Sam Allardyce's decision to resign today.

West Ham now look in pole position to avoid the drop and the odds available on www.Betfair.com are still generous. I have already advised laying West Ham for the drop at 1.33, and they are still available to lay at 1.97 - I would suggest filling your boots again at that price.