Match Report: Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
Saka Scores On Arsenal Return
Bukayo Saka scored within just seven minutes of his Arsenal return to help the Gunners on their way to a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.
There was optimism from Arsenal fans in the week after Arteta stated in his pre-match conference that Saka was ‘ready to go’ against Fulham. This was the first time that the Arsenal winger had been available for selection in 101 days since he suffered a severe hamstring injury against Crystal Palace.
The visitors Fulham were looking to bounce back after a disappointing FA Cup exit to Palace on Saturday and made a few changes from their weekend outing with Adama Traoré, Diop, Cuenca and Jiménez making starts.
It was a slow start the game with both sides having tidy spells of possession without any real penetration. The most notable incident in the first 20 minutes was an injury suffered to Arsenal centre back Gabriel. The centre back was seen holding his hamstring, a worrying sight for Arsenal fans and a dampener on what should have been a positive atmosphere and narrative with Saka’s impending return.
Kiwior replaced Gabriel following the injury and it would be Arsenal who had the first real chance of the game, Martinelli getting the better of Castangne before whipping in a left footed cross which fell to Nwaneri on the half volley. His clean connection was beaten away by Leno. It wouldn’t be until the 37th minute when Arsenal would finally get their breakthrough. Timber’s clever pass inside of Robinson found Nwaneri who cut it back to Merino, who, despite hesitation managed to poke a shot towards goal with his right foot. The ball took a wicked deflection off of Cuenca, wrong-footing Bernd Leno and nestling in the bottom corner, a cruel blow for Fulham nearing the end of a relatively even half.
No changes at half time in terms of the personnel, although Saka was seen conducting an extensive warm up, teasing the crowd ahead of his inevitable substitution. Whilst there were no subs at half time, Mikel Arteta had clearly gotten into his side, who raised their level significantly after the break. Martinelli again getting the beating of Castangne, which would be a regular theme, before cutting back to Odegaard, who skied the effort. It was clear sign of the Norwegian’s seeming recent lack of confidence and conviction in front of goal. He would however create a big chance moments after, linking up neatly with Timber who could only strike straight at Leno from a tight angle.
Then it was time. Saka was ready. He replaced Nwaneri to a thunderous Emirates crowd reception. Fulham also made a triple change, notably Smith Rowe receiving an expected warm reception as he was replaced by Alex Iwobi, who was also warmly welcomed back. Same couldn’t be said for the returning Willian however.
Seven minutes, not even that, is all it took for Saka to make an instant impact. Popping up at the back post to head home Martinelli’s delicious flick and double the Arsenal lead. Saka acknowledged the club doctor in his celebration. You would’ve expected Arsenal to see this one out comfortably from here, however that wasn’t to be the case. Declan Rice fired a rebound over from an Odegaard corner, but it was Fulham who were finishing in the ascendancy. Rodrigo Muniz somehow managed to divert Iwobi’s cross wide with the goal gaping. If the Brazilian had been able to convert, it could have set up a very nervy finish. He would put the ball in the back of the net via a Saliba deflection in stoppage time, but it was too late by that point as Arsenal held on for the win and their first triumph against Fulham after 4 without a win.
For Arsenal, the big worry will be the injury to Gabriel ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid next week, whilst for Fulham it was an opportunity lost to close the gap on the European places.
As an Arsenal fan, it was a joy to see Saka make his return.