Former Gunner Boa Morte, 29, was once more integral to his side’s success, a brilliant piece of individual skill setting up Tomasz Radzinski for Fulham’s second goal at Craven Cottage.

The Portugal midfielder knows there is the talent within Chris Coleman’s squad to climb the Premiership table, but admits they do not show it every week.

“We know that this type of performance cannot come every time, but we try to put that out on the pitch in every game,” the Fulham captain said.

“Arsenal are full of quality players, and that is why they can rotate, because they have spent a lot of money and have almost all international players.

“But the most important thing for us was to match them all over the park.

“That is what we did.”

Boa Morte declared: “We know that Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are the teams who will be fighting for the title, but they are not unbeatable.

“That is why for me English football is the best in the world, because you can look at these big teams and try to beat them.”

Fulham are now in the top half of the Premiership, but Boa Morte maintains they will soon come back down to earth as they prepare for a trip to Blackburn on Saturday.

He said: “We are going to enjoy this result, but will now start to think about Blackburn, which will be a different match.

“But in the Premiership there are no easy games. Anything can happen.”

Boa Morte was taken to Highbury by Arsene Wenger as a promising youngster from Sporting Lisbon in 1997.

However, the pacy wideman was unable to force his way into the Arsenal first team on a regular basis and left for Southampton two seasons later.

“Arsenal supporters must forgive me for this, but it is the result I have been looking for in almost eight years since I left Arsenal,” said Boa Morte, who joined Fulham on a permanent deal in July 2001 after a successful loan spell at Craven Cottage.

“Arsenal were the ones who brought me over and started my international career.

“It is always a special taste when you beat your old side.”

Coleman maintains he has no intention of letting Boa Morte leave during the January transfer window, unless Fulham are made an offer they cannot refuse.

For now, the Cottagers skipper is keeping his focus on the job in hand.

Boa Morte insisted: “I am under contract and just have to do what I have to do for Fulham.

“Whatever comes in January, we will see from there.

“But at the moment, I am just concentrating on playing for Fulham.”

He added: “It has not been easy for me because I finished last season with a big injury to my cheekbone and to make it to the World Cup was kind of a miracle.

“I am probably paying a bit for that now as I had a few problems there and should have rested, but it is one of those competitions you do not want to miss.

“I know people have been talking about my performances, but I have just tried to put that to bed.

“I just try to enjoy my football and help the team achieve their targets.”

Boa Morte added: “If I score, then okay, but if I set up others and we win the game, then that is perfect.”