Jol targets Arsenal surprise

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes that his side are capable of taking points off Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

Arsenal are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with prolific striker Robin van Persie having scored a staggering 17 goals this season.

But Jol insists that if his side continue to defend well, they can defy the odds and get a positive result from the Premier League encounter.

“The priority is to defend well but still play with confidence and belief,” Jol told reporters.

“I think we have done that in our last three or four away games. We have kept a clean sheet three times so we have some confidence of doing that (again).”

“I think we are always capable of creating a few chances. Of course they have their strengths, but they also have their weaknesses like any other team.”

While acknowledging Arsenal’s prolific attack, the 55-year-old Jol believes the Gunners’ aggressive game plan can create openings for his side on the counter.

“The other night Borussia Dortmund did well against them but Arsenal have the quality now with Van Persie, he is the one scoring the goals and has a hell of a record.”

“They play in a specific style with two wing players, Van Persie up front and three midfielders – two attacking, one sitting. That has changed a bit from a couple of years ago when Van Persie was a lower number 10 or second striker.”

“They are playing with a lot of possession and of course they have a lot of talent in the team, but they still have to rotate at the back. Hopefully we can exploit the space we get.”