Bukayo Saka scored seven minutes into return to action in 2-1 win over Fulham
The England star received a huge ovation from the Emirates when he came on
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By DAVID KENT
Published: 12:31 EDT, 2 April 2025 | Updated: 12:31 EDT, 2 April 2025
Bukayo Saka has sent out a heartfelt message to Arsenal supporters after his dream return from injury on Tuesday night.
The England star was out for over three months with a hamstring injury but needed just seven minutes on the pitch to score in Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Fulham.
Saka received a huge reception from the Emirates crowd when he was brought off the bench in the 66th minute to replace teenage wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri.
And the 23-year-old repaid his supporters when he nodded home from close range in the 73rd minute to double Arsenal's lead after Mikel Merino's first-half opener.
Saka's header proved to be winner as Rodrigo Muniz pulled a late goal back for the visitors, with Mikel Arteta's side hanging on for all three points.
Saka took to X on Wednesday afternoon to thank Arsenal fans for the reception they gave him on his comeback.
Bukayo Saka takes the acclaim of the Emirates crowd after his goalscoring return to action
The England star headed in at the back post to make it 2-0 just seven minutes after coming on
Saka received a huge ovation from the Emirates when he was brought on in the 66th minute
I have to acknowledge and thank you all for the energy and love you showed me last night. I’ve never seen or felt anything like what I felt at the Emirates last night.
I will never forget that.
Truly Grateful! #GodsChildð«¶ð¿
— Bukayo Saka (@BukayoSaka87) April 2, 2025
'I have to acknowledge and thank you all for the energy and love you showed me last night,' he posted.
'I’ve never seen or felt anything like what I felt at the Emirates last night. I will never forget that. Truly Grateful! #GodsChild'
With Liverpool comfortably out in front in the Premier League table — the victory over Fulham cut Arsenal's deficit to nine points — the Gunners' season is likely to pivot on their Champions League last-eight tie with Real Madrid.
With the European champions' visit just a week away, the triumphant return of Saka was the best news of the night for Arteta but the Fulham win did not come without a cost.
Key defender Gabriel limped off in the first half with a hamstring injury. Jurrien Timber also had to be replaced in the second half with a knee problem, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori failed to make Tuesday's matchday squad with their own injuries.
This leaves Arteta sweating on the fitness of four key defenders ahead of next Tuesday's quarter-final first leg at the Emirates.
However, Saka looked sharp after over 100 days on the sidelines, and will be pushing to start when Arsenal take on Carlo Ancelotti's side.