Bukayo Saka scored only seven minutes into his Arsenal comeback but the Gunners lost Gabriel Magalhaes to an apparent hamstring injury as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka headed in an acrobatic flick from Gabriel Martinelli at the back post after replacing Ethan Nwaneri in the second half as the home fans revelled in the return of their hero, who was making his first appearance since December following a hamstring injury.
Makeshift striker Mikel Merino had earlier put Arsenal in front with a deflected effort from Nwaneri's cut-back for his sixth goal in 10 games for club and country, but that goal came after Gabriel had limped off, making the defender a major doubt for next week's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Gabriel could be seen pulling up and clutching his hamstring while sprinting back towards his own goal in pursuit of Fulham's Adama Traore and had to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior in the 16th minute.
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SHERWOOD ON GRABRIEL INJURY 010425
Tim Sherwood reacts to Gabriel's injury on Soccer Special
It appeared Arsenal's defence, already without Ben White, who missed out with a niggle, and the injured Riccardo Calafiori, was set to keep a clean sheet but Fulham substitute Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time having missed a glorious headed chance minutes earlier.
Arsenal were grateful for the final whistle in the end but they dominated the encounter overall, with Martin Odegaard spurning chances to extend their lead, Merino having a second-half effort cleared off the line, and Jurrien Timber forcing a good save from Bernd Leno.
The win reduces the gap to Liverpool to nine points before Arne Slot's side take on Merseyside rivals Everton live on Sky Sports on Wednesday. Fulham remain in eighth place.
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