Arsenal strengthened their chances of claiming Premier League title glory this campaign, with a superb 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates last night.
Mikel Arteta’s men roared into a three-goal lead within the first 45 minutes of the contest, which ultimately put the game to bed and secured all three points.
As a result, the Gunners have now moved six points clear of title rivals Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s men having two games in hand at present.
Rice-Saka-Gyokeres-Ben-White-Arsenal
The biggest bonus of the result is the huge increase in goal difference and goals scored, something which could prove to be vital come the final weekend of the campaign.
Arteta will certainly be proud of his team’s effort in North London, but two of his players will no doubt take most of the credit for their performances last night.
How Arsenal romped to victory against Fulham
After not starting a game since the Carabao Cup final defeat, winger Bukayo Saka was handed a welcome return to the Arsenal starting eleven last night.
The Englishman featured for just 45 minutes in an attempt to regain full fitness, but it didn’t stop the attacker from catching the eye with his display at the Emirates.
Saka-Arsenal
The 24-year-old found the back of the net with real aplomb as he fired past former Gunner Bernd Leno to hand Arteta’s side a two-goal lead after just 40 minutes.
He also managed to grab an assist for centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres, who arguably produced one of his best performances for the club after his summer transfer.
The Swedish international latched onto the end of Saka’s low driven cross after just nine minutes, subsequently handing Arteta’s side an early lead in North London.
Gyokeres-Gabriel-Arsenal
He added his second just minutes before the interval, with the striker rising highest to head home after a superb dinked ball into the box by Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal's new Wilshere outshines Saka and Gyokeres
The impact of Saka and Gyokeres last night simply can’t be understated, with the pair producing displays that could well help Arsenal claim Premier League glory.
Saka-Gyokeres-Arsenal
If Arteta’s men are to have any chance of stopping City from once again lifting the trophy, the aforementioned pair will no doubt need to be on top form in the weeks ahead.
Both played a huge role in the final third at the Emirates, with Saka registering his first goal and assist in the same Premier League game for the first time in 17 months.
However, the rest of the first-team squad also need to be on a similar level to the attackers in the upcoming fixtures to prevent yet another failed title bid.
If the Gunners are to end the season at the summit, the manager must continue to select youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly at the heart of his midfield after his showing last night.
Lewis-Skelly-Arsenal
Despite spending the entirity of his time in the first-team at left-back, the 19-year-old was handed the opportunity to start in his preferred position during the win over Fulham.
It’s safe to say Lewis-Skelly grabbed such a chance with both hands, with his underlying stats from the victory demonstrating the impact he had on proceedings.
In truth, it was a performance from a teenager that was a throwback to the days of another Hale Ender; Jack Wilshere. A left-footed talent driving forward with the ball from deep, beating players and evading the press with ease, it really was like watching Wilshere all those years back.
Indeed, the teenager looked unbelievably assured in possession of the ball, often playing line-breaking passes - allowing him to achieve a 97% pass completion rate.
Within his 66 passes, 23 of which were made into forward areas of the pitch, subsequently allowing him to create a chance for his teammates within the final third.
myles-lewis-skelly-arsenal
His experience in a more defensive role also allowed him to have a positive impact without the ball, as seen by his impressive tally of two tackles won and six ball recoveries made.
Lewis-Skelly also managed to win six ground duels at a success rate of 67%, whilst being fouled on four occasions - with the visitors unable to get anywhere near the youngster.
Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham
Player
David Raya
Ben White
Gabriel
William Saliba
Riccardo Calafiori
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Declan Rice
Bukayo Saka
Eberechi Eze
Leandro Trossard
Viktor Gyokeres
As a result of such a showing, he was handed an impressive 9/10 match rating, which further reflects how impressive he was during the latest victory on home soil.
After such a showing, Arteta simply must show continued faith in the teenager to thrive in such a position - something which could prove to be vital in the title race.
Saka and Gyokeres will no doubt receive the vast majority of the praise for their efforts, but Lewis-Skelly’s under-the-radar performance certainly warrants an extended run as a regular starter.
Trossard-Xhaka Related
[Arsenal in talks to sign "insane" midfielder who could be their new Xhaka](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-open-talks-to-sign-kostov-could-be-new-xhaka/ "Arsenal in talks to sign "insane" midfielder who could be their new Xhaka")
A new midfielder could be on their way to Arsenal this summer.