Bukayo Saka made a dream return from injury, scoring a crucial goal as Arsenal edged Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday, keeping their slim Premier League title hopes alive.
The 22-year-old, who had been sidelined since December 21, came off the bench to head home Arsenal’s second goal after Mikel Merino’s deflected strike had given the Gunners the lead in the first half.
Despite the win, Mikel Arteta’s men suffered a setback as key defender Gabriel Magalhães limped off early with a suspected hamstring injury—raising concerns ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid next week.
Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for Fulham in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late as Arsenal secured a vital three points.
The victory cuts the gap between Arsenal and league leaders Liverpool to nine points, though Liverpool have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Fulham’s European dreams took a hit, as they remain eighth, three points adrift of a likely Champions League spot.
Arteta, despite the looming clash against Real Madrid, fielded a strong XI, showing no signs of prioritizing Europe over the league. Merino, deployed as a makeshift striker due to season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, once again delivered, netting his fifth goal in eight games.
Saka’s introduction in the 65th minute was met with a roar from the Emirates crowd, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. Eight minutes after coming on, he nodded in a close-range effort after a clever flick from Gabriel Martinelli, marking his 10th goal of the season.
Muniz had a golden chance to set up a nervy finish but missed a free header before redeeming himself in stoppage time with a late strike. However, Arsenal held firm to keep the pressure on Liverpool, who face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday.
With Saka back and firing, Arsenal fans will hope for a strong push in both the league and their European campaign, but Gabriel’s injury now casts a shadow over their upcoming fixtures.
