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.
Chelsea have kicked off their Club World Cup campaign, but behind the scenes there is still serious transfer work going on.While Enzo Maresca trains his players in the USA, the transfer team are getting to work on helping build his squad.Gittens still wants Chelsea – Chelsea still want GittensThe attempts to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens before the tournament failed, but it's c...
Arsenal are in the mix to complete a surprise deal for former Manchester City player Aymeric Laporte, with a report detailing how much he will cost to sign from Al-Nassr this summer.Laporte first arrived in England in January 2018 when Man City broke their transfer record by paying Athletic Club £57million to sign him on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The centre-back went on to make 180 app...
Rafael Leao, Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola and Eberechi Eze are among Bayern Munich's potential targets after missing out on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz, sources told ESPN.Wirtz, who is currently on holiday following the UEFA Nations League finals, is set to soon complete his transfer to Liverpool, after ESPN reported last week that the Premier League champions had agree...
Man Utd and Napoli show interest in Hudson-OdoiCallum Hudson-Odoi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Chelsea in 2023, has only a year left in his existing deal. The winger had an impressive outing in the 2024-25 campaign and played a key role in the club securing a European place after 30 years away from continental competition. The 24-year-old scored five goals and provided three assists in 36 ga...
Pablo Marin of Spain and Issa Doumbia of Italy battle for the ballSpain and Italy played out a 1-1 draw in their final group game of the UEFA European U21 Championship, ensuring both nations completed it without defeat (W2, D1).With passage to the quarter-finals already sealed for both nations, this matchup was purely a fight for top spot, and it was the Spaniards who edged proceedings in the earl...
Thomas Frank was chosen among 30 candidates for the Tottenham jobTottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham has revealed that Thomas Frank was chosen among more than 30 other candidates to succeed Ange Postecoglou as manager.Tottenham chose Thomas Frank as their new head coach last week, and were made to pay London rivals Brentford 310million in the process as Franks appointment was published only days after...
Saudi clubs prepare huge bids for Tottenham captain KaneTottenham captain Son Heung-min has attracted interest from three Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of a potential summer move.The South Korea international has just 12 months remaining on his current Spurs deal and has been linked with a move away, with the North London club reportedly open to selling him this summer to cash in on the experienced...
And just like that, the transfer window is closed.Now depending on where you've been for the past few weeks, you might be asking yourself two questions:1. Is that a "Sex and the City" reference? 2. Wait, what?To the first question: Of course it is. Bring back Samantha.And to the second: With the Club World Cup kicking off this past weekend and set to stretch all the way through mid-July, FIFA gave...
LaLiga president Tebas: Barcelona cannot register Garcia - for nowLaLiga president Javier Tebas has warned Barcelona must sell to register Joan Garcia.Barca have agreed to pay goalkeeper Garcia's €25m buyout clause in his Espanyol contract.However, Tebas insists the Blaugrana do not have room in their registered budget to sign Garcia at this stage.He said, "We haven't even set dates yet, but...
Man United and Napoli chase Nottingham Forest starPremier League side Nottingham Forest are keen to keep Callum Hudson-Odoi despite interest from Manchester United and Napoli.The winger impressed during the 2024–25 season, playing a crucial role in helping the club secure a European spot for the first time in 30 years.0Hudson-Odoi contributed five goals and three assists in 36 appearances ac...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 5 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 6 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 7 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 8 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 9 'If you want to understand, it's really obvious' – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino responds to Christian Pulisic, eager to move past off-field drama
- 10 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack