The Gunners suffered an early blow to their title ambitions - and Wenger, who has insisted he has a team capable of finishing top, admitted the Gunners got what they deserved.

"We were not sharp enough in the first half, and our passing was certainly not as good as we expect it to be. I don't know why," he said.

"You have to give credit to Fulham; they played very well and they started sharper than us.

"We dominated the second half, but I felt in the last 25 minutes we were too nervous and wanted to just hit the ball up there rather than create a chance.

"Of course it is a setback. But the result is there, and we have to make up for it by winning the next match. We have a big game on Wednesday in the Champions League and need to improve.

"We paid a big price for the mistake on their goal. We should be able to cope with a corner when it comes in at low level like that."

Wenger had to agree when it was suggested his team might already be playing catch-up against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

He said: "You are right. That is a fact - but we have to face it because from all our possession we could not produce many chances. Frankly, the performance was just not good enough."

In the absence of injured Cesc Fabregas from the Arsenal midfield, Fulham dominated in the first half - and the only threat to them after the break was tiredness.

Manager Roy Hodgson was delighted with the three points against "one of the best teams in the country" - especially after last week's 2-1 defeat at promoted Hull City.

He said: "I thought we played well for 70 minutes but perhaps in the last 15 or 20 we were guilty of trying too hard to just cling on to the lead and moved away from the style.

"I can understand that. Perhaps we got tired because there was a lot of pressure, but we have to be realistic and say it is the consistency to play well for 90 minutes that we need.

"It is dangerous to invite teams - especially teams of this quality - on to you. But that's what we did in the end. The ball was in and around our penalty area far too much.

"I don't want this to sound too critical, though. I've seen the best defensive performance by us since I've been here - but I like best the Fulham that can compose itself quite well and pass the ball well.

"To be fair it's heartening that when our backs are against the wall we can produce the necessary fighting spirit."

Goalscorer Brede Hangeland came in for particular praise from Hodgson.

The big Norwegian, now captain of his country, stabbed in Jimmy Bullard's low-driven corner on 20 minutes - just after Robin van Persie had squandered a golden opportunity for Arsenal.

Hodgson said: "I had him for a year-and-a-half at Viking Stavanger in Norway, and he's still a good player both defensively and at set-pieces.

"His height is a big weapon but he can play as well. Let's face it, he had to today against players of the quality of Adebayor and van Persie - not to mention Bendtner coming on as sub."