Bukayo Saka scored on his injury comeback as Arsenal recorded a 2-1 Premier League win against Fulham at the Emirates.
Saka ended his 101-day absence when he came off the bench shortly after the hour mark, and the England international was on the pitch for just seven minutes when he doubled Arsenal’s advantage.
Saka’s header, which followed Mikel Merino’s first-half opener, provided a huge lift for Arsenal on a night that saw defender Gabriel limp off in the 16th minute with a hamstring problem.
Gabriel’s injury casts a major doubt, not only over his availability for Arsenal’s first-leg Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Emirates next week, but for the rest of the season, too.
Back-to-back wins in N5 🙌 pic.twitter.com/oywhMsy8Oo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 1, 2025
Rodrigo Muniz scored in the fourth minute of injury time but Arsenal saw out the win to move nine points behind Liverpool having played a match more. Liverpool will have the opportunity to restore their 12-point lead when they host Everton at Anfield on Wednesday.
Arsenal’s title challenge has been derailed by injuries to pivotal players, and just as Mikel Arteta welcomed back Saka – the England man afforded a standing ovation when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute – he now faces being without key defender Gabriel for the visit of the 15-time European Cup winners.
Racing back at top speed, Gabriel hit the turf clutching his right hamstring. The Brazilian was able to hobble off, but he headed straight down the tunnel wearing a pained expression.
Gabriel has starred at the heart of Arsenal’s defence in recent seasons, yet he now looks set to miss the visit of Madrid in a week’s time.
He was replaced by Jakub Kiwior, with the Pole making his first appearance in the league since Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Fulham on December 8.
The loudest cheer of a first half lacking in chances had been reserved for Saka when he emerged from the bench to warm up. That was until Merino struck with eight minutes of the first half remaining.
Mikel Merin⚽️#ARSFUL pic.twitter.com/16ZMBlhzId
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 1, 2025
Thomas Partey sprayed out the ball to Nwaneri, who had earlier forced Bernd Leno into the only save of the game so far with a fine volley at the back stick.
This time, Nwaneri pulled the ball back for Merino, and the Spaniard’s effort flicked off the leg of Jorge Cuenca and past an unsighted Leno.
Makeshift striker Merino’s second in as many games – following his goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea here – handed the hosts the advantage at the break.
Seven minutes into the second half, and David Raya was called into action for the first time when he made a fine diving save from Raul Jimenez with Leno then denying Jurrien Timber at the other end.
But all eyes were on the touchline and when Arteta would hand Saka his return. It arrived in the 66th minute and provoked a huge roar from the Emirates. And the night would get even better for the 23-year-old.
Inevitable. Unstoppable. Bukayo.
Our number 7 arrives at the back post to fire home!
🔴 2-0 🟣 (73) pic.twitter.com/slBuCa2SOn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 1, 2025
The impressive Gabriel Martinelli took on the Fulham defence before sending the ball out wide to Merino. His cross was flicked on by Martinelli at the front stick with Saka heading home unmarked after 73 minutes.
Saka has been desperately missed since he tore his hamstring against Crystal Palace on December 21, but his dream comeback provides Arsenal with hope that there is life in their season yet.
Muniz’s stoppage-time strike, which deflected in off William Saliba, afforded the visitors a lifeline but it was Saka’s night and he sunk to his knees when the final whistle blew.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
