ARSENAL 2-1 FULHAM: Bukayo Saka returned from injury to score a crucial goal in the Premier League win, but the injury to defender Gabriel will be a huge concern for Mikel Arteta
Comments
Sport
Mikel Arteta saw Arsenal battle to a win over Fulham
Mikel Arteta saw Arsenal battle to a win over Fulham
As the old saying goes, do you want the good news or the bad news? First, the good news was that Bukayo Saka made a dream return as he scored in his first appearance after a three-month injury lay-off.
But the really bad news was that Arsenal defender Gabriel limped off with a hamstring injury which will surely rule him out of both legs of the Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid. It almost feels typical of Arsenal’s season that just when they get one big player back - another gets sidelined.
Article continues below
And there are few worse players to be missing than Gabriel when Arsenal have to face Kylian Mbappe and Co at the Emirates next week. Gabriel’s partnership with Williams Saliba is one of the best in the Premier League and seeing him go off early in the first half was Arsenal’s worst nightmare.
That definitely dampened the mood until Saka changed all of that with his cameo role as a second half substitute and then an unlikely close range header to wrap up a rather comfortable victory. The crowd loved it and, having given Saka an almighty ovation as a 66th minute substitute, they revelled in a magical moment to give everyone a lift.
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka returns in style but Arsenal suffer injury woe against Fulham - 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Arsenal star Gabriel forced off injured just one week before Real Madrid clash
It was beautiful to see Saka milk the applause, then rush to the bench to thank the medics who have helped him on his recovery back to fitness. If anyone can give Arsenal hope against Real Madrid then it has to be Saka and they even have a goalscoring forward on the pitch too if you include Mikel Merino.
Merino scored for his second goal running, he has got five since becoming Arsenal’s emergency striker and, while he might not fill Real Madrid with dread, he is giving it a real go. Arsenal largely cruised through against Fulham in what felt like at times more of a testimonial match because the visitors were so flat after their FA Cup exit to Crystal Palace last weekend.
Fulham were poor and rarely troubled Arsenal until substitute Rodrigo Muniz grabbed an injury time consolation to put a gloss on their lacklustre display. By then, Arsenal were out of sight. They had started rather sloppily when it felt like they had their minds on Madrid rather than an end-of-season game with Fulham with Liverpool already out of sight at the top.
Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenal
Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel hobbled off after chasing back towards his own goal. Jakub Kiwior replaced him but hardly looked convincing. Then Jurrien Timber went down hurt but thankfully for Arsenal got up. Arsenal got a big slice of luck on their opening goal which came just when you were beginning to wonder whether anyone fancied taking a shot let alone if they might score.
Timber drove forward, Ethan Nwaneri fed the ball to Merino and his shot took a big deflection off Fulham defender Jorge Cuenha and the ball flashed keeper Bernd Leno. Arsenal had big chances to get a second but Martin Odegaard lashed over and then Saka lifted the place when he came on for his much awaited return to action.
Arsenal mourned 24 years since the death of David Rocastle on Monday and, for fans of a certain age, Saka is the closest thing they have had to the much-loved Rocky since. But every generation of Arsenal fans love Saka, the homegrown hero.
Gabriel Martinelli started the move, Merino crossed and then Martinelli flicked on and there was Saka to head home from close range to complete a fairytale return. Fulham did grab a consolation in the 94th minute when Ryan Sessegnon put over a cross and Muniz’s shot deflected in off Saliba.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.