Arsebal
Robin van Persie failed to score, and Gervinho came off the bench for the Gunners against Fulham. Reuters

Centre back Thomas Vermaelen was the key figure at Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Arsenal and London rival Fulham played to a 1-1 result.

In the 66th minute, the Belgian star gave the Cottagers a gift with an own goal. Fulham captain Danny Murphy chipped the ball into the box, and defender John Arne Riise collected it off his chest. Vermaelen accidentally sent the ball past Wojciech Szczesny after it bounced near the penalty spot.

But Vermaelen would redeem himself in the 82nd minute. Theo Walcott sent a cross from the right side, and Vermaelen was uncovered and headed a bouncer by Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham has yet to defeat Arsenal on the road in 26 tries. However, Martin Jol's squad was able to contain Robin van Persie. The Arsenal forward has been red hot over the past several weeks.

Even with van Persie neutralized, the Gunners still dominated the attack. Arsenal took 20 shots with nine on goal, while Fulham took 10 shots, with just two on goal. Arsenal controlled possession for 56 percent of the match.

Arsene Wenger used most of his top players on Saturday, though Gervinho came off the bench in the 69th minute for Aaron Ramsey. The Gunners defeated Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday with basically the favored starting 11, and Arsenal host Manchester City in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Here is a look at Vermaelen goal to even the match:

Arsenal 1 - 1 Fulhamby Anatolly7

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