Inamoto hits the right note

"He has some good qualities as a player and he showed that against Bologna and at the World Cup with Japan."

The Dutchman may not have the proven talent-spotting skills of Wenger, but he has a point. Despite the exceptional midfield players Arsenal have, if they sign someone for a year it would make sense to try them out properly before letting them go.

Perhaps Inamoto lacked confidence in training as he was compared-with stars such as Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, but if so he recovered quickly to star at the World Cup finals for Japan and scored twice. Former Ajax and Juventus 'keeper Van der Sar added: "We are happy with the signing. I think it is Fulham's good fortune and so far so good."

Inamoto seems pleased too. He said: "I would like to stay here and am going to try my best to make my transfer a permanent one. The environment and atmosphere is really good and I hope to stay longer."

Off-the pitch the midfielder refuses to rub Wenger's nose in his apparent mistake, but on it last night he produced more than a gentle reminder to the Arsenal manager.

Inamoto, making his first start for Fulham, scored his first goal of the night after just 12 minutes when he combined well with striker Facundo Sava and slotted home neatly from the edge of the penalty area.

A Tomas Locatelli effort from 15 yards which deflected off defender Zat Knight on 34 minutes cancelled that out but Inamoto, who impressed with his movement and work-rate, came back for more.

A minute into the second-half a cross for striker Steve Marlet was half-cleared by a defender and, as it bounced in his path, he produced a fantastic volley which flew beyond former Italy goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca and into the net.

Inamoto's third goal - and his first professional hat-trick - was complete on 50 minutes when he latched on to a Marlet pass and scored at the second attempt after bursting into the box and having his first shot parried by Pagliuca.

He received a standing ovation when he was replaced by Steed Malbranque 18 minutes from time with the contest - which started as a blood and thunder cup tie and was spoilt only by some niggly fouls and theatrical behaviour - effectively over.

Fortunately for Fulham they do not have to rush to sign Inamoto permanently as they have an option to buy him at the end of his loan, but Tigana said: "I think the chairman (Mohamed Fayed) will want to keep him, although I haven't spoken to him."

Fulham showed great spirit, fluid movement throughout the team and scored goals which were so badly lacking last season.

They deserved more than the pathetically small InterToto Cup trophy they were presented with after the game, but the real prize is being in Friday's UEFA Cup first round draw and getting the chance to compete against other entrants such as Lazio, Chelsea, Leeds, Rangers, Parma and Panathinaikos.

Until then they can revel in an historic achievement for the club - and make sure the deal which gives them first refusal on buying Inamoto next summer is watertight.