Bukayo Saka made a warning return for Arsenal on Tuesday night, marking his comeback from injury with a crucial goal in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
The 23-year-old England winger had been sidelined for nearly three months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury suffered against Crystal Palace just before Christmas.
However, he wasted no time in making an impact, scoring Arsenal’s second goal to help his side secure all three points.
Coming off the bench in the 66th minute to a thunderous ovation from the Emirates crowd, Saka needed just 17 minutes to mark his return in style.
The goal came from a well-executed set-piece, with Gabriel Martinelli flicking the ball toward the back post, where Saka calmly directed a cushioned header past the Fulham goalkeeper.
“It was a special moment for me,” Saka said after the match.
“It’s been a tough few months, but I worked really hard to get back, and to help the team win tonight was the perfect way to return.”
Arsenal Edge Closer to Liverpool
Mikel Arteta’s side had dominated the first half and took the lead in the 37th minute through a strike from Mikel Merino.
Fulham pulled one back in stoppage time, but Arsenal held on to secure a vital win, cutting Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
Liverpool will have the chance to restore their 12-point cushion when they host Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday.
Arteta Hails Saka’s Impact
Speaking after the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Saka’s mentality and contribution:
“It’s fantastic to have him back. He has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes, and we knew he was ready.”
“He stepped up when we needed him, and that’s what top players do.”
Saka had been named on a substitutes’ bench that included Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard, with Ethan Nwaneri and Martinelli starting as the wide forwards.
The defeat leaves Fulham in eighth place, with the possibility of dropping lower depending on Aston Villa and Bournemouth’s results on Wednesday.
As for Arsenal, they remain firmly in the title race, and with Saka back in action, their chances of chasing down Liverpool just got a massive boost.
