Saka scores as Arsenal beat Fulham to close gap on Liverpool

Bukayo Saka marked his return from injury with a goal as Arsenal defeated Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday, cutting the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points.

The England international, who had been sidelined for 101 days, came off the bench to head in Arsenal’s second goal on his first appearance since December 21. Mikel Merino had earlier given the Gunners the lead with a deflected first-half effort.

Victory comes at a cost

Despite the win, Arsenal suffered a setback as key defender Gabriel Magalhães limped off with an injury.

Jurrien Timber also left the pitch late on with a knee problem, adding to Mikel Arteta’s injury concerns ahead of next week’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.

“(We are) worried because he never wants to come off, and he had to,” Arteta said about Gabriel. “He felt he could not continue.”

Saka’s emotional return

Saka’s return was met with a rousing ovation from the Emirates crowd.

“It was a good opportunity to see how much people love him and missed him,” Arteta said. “The reception he got was magnificent. He lifts the stadium, and I am so happy for him because he fully deserves it.”

Fulham’s European ambitions dented

Rodrigo Muniz scored a stoppage-time goal for Fulham, but the defeat dents their hopes of qualifying for European football next season. The Cottagers remain eighth, three points behind a top-five finish that could secure a Champions League spot next season.

Arsenal’s Premier League outlook

While Liverpool remain in control of the title race, Arsenal’s top-five finish looks assured, as they now sit 14 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle.

Arteta’s side are on course for a second consecutive runners-up finish, but with Saka back in action, they will hope to push Liverpool until the end—and make a deep run in Europe’s elite competition.