The misfiring Gunners were booed off after they failed to find the net for the fourth straight Barclays Premier League game as their clash with Fulham ended 0-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Robin van Persie was twice denied by Mark Schwarzer from close range in the first half, with the inspired Fulham keeper also saving well from Abou Diaby and Andrei Arshavin.

Fulham, though, were anything but negative - and had come close to taking an early lead through Andrew Johnson.

The goalless run is Arsenal's worst for more than 15 seasons and looks to have put paid to their hopes of breaking back into the top four, while they are now in real danger of losing out on fifth place to Everton.

"It was a big disappointment and a very disappointing result. We were desperate for the three points," said Wenger.

"Fulham played and credit to them, they were the better side in the first 20 minutes and created more movement.

"After we slowly took over, but we lacked always a bit of sharpness to take our chances and our passes weren't quick enough to give them real problems.

"I don't think it was a 0-0 game because both sides created chances, but we had weaknesses both defensively and offensively.

"There is a big desire to do well and to make sure we score, but it is not there at the moment.

"Our goalscoring record has dried out over more than five games.

"There are plenty of reasons - one of them is certainly psychological, but overall it's hard to assess what is tactical, what is technical and what is psychological.

"The more I speak about it, the more there is a problem.

"I don't think it's about us only trying to score the perfect goal - the perfect goal is only when the ball touches the net."

Wenger admitted it was now looking an uphill battle for Arsenal to force themselves back into the top four ahead of Aston Villa, who play Stoke tomorrow.

"Today's result doesn't help and this is a big blow to us, but it is difficult to assess," said Wenger, whose side head to relegation battlers West Brom on Tuesday night.

"However, problems don't last forever and at some stage we will score goals because we have quality and we continue to fight."

Fulham, meanwhile, continue to improve under Roy Hodgson, who secured a remarkable escape from what looked certain relegation following his arrival last season.

Indeed, but for some better fortune in front of goal, the Cottagers could have come away from Emirates Stadium with all three points.

"I am just disappointed we didn't win it - our shooting wasn't at its best," said Hodgson.

"When Arsenal got behind us, they tested Schwarzer more than we tested [Manuel] Almunia.

"We could have made him make more saves but in general, yes, it's a good draw for us."

Hodgson added: "We have come here today and got a point - and that wasn't down to a siege mentality.

"As a result, any neutrals would have seen a very entertaining game of football."