Bukayo Saka’s introduction in the 66th minute of last night’s 2-1 win over Fulham was greeted with rapturous applause by the Arsenal fans inside the Emirates Stadium.
That was topped just 6 minutes later when the winger headed home at the back post to extend the Gunners lead. It felt like some kind of payback for what he has endured, and all the attacking injury issues the team have had this season.
It was a goal that ultimately proved vital after the visitors snatched a late strike to close the gap, but they weren’t able to spoil Saka’s return, and it was something Mikel Arteta referenced in his post-game press conference.
“I think it’s a beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect and admire Bukayo,” he said.
“He’s not a surprise to any of us and I think the best example is his reaction. Immediately after scoring a goal, what does he do?
“He goes and says thank you for all the hard work that all the sports science guys, physios and everybody involved in the recovery have done for him to be in the condition that he is.
“I think he lifted the stadium, the energy and it’s great to have him back.”
After scoring, Saka celebrated with his teammates, before running to the bench to have a moment with Sam Wilson, the club’s lead physical performance coach who has been working with him to get him back onto the pitch in good shape after the injury and surgery.
“As a manager I’m part of the staff,” said Arteta.
“We all love this kind of recognition and gestures because it goes beyond the professional side of it. There is a connection there that is so necessary and to be able to appreciate as well the amount of work, stress and responsibility that they have to go through because they will be like this.
“I hope everything goes well and the work that we’ve done is going to work. So, I was very pleased with that.”