Mikel Arteta faced mixed emotions as Bukayo Saka made a triumphant return, only for another injury to dampen the mood at Arsenal.
After being absent for twenty games and 101 days, Saka entered the match in the 66th minute to a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause from the Emirates crowd.
Just seven minutes after his introduction, Saka once again ignited the Emirates, scoring a header that proved to be the decisive goal against Fulham. This victory came after Mikel Merino`s opening goal for Arsenal in the first half and a late consolation goal from Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham.
Every touch from Saka was met with excitement, marking his first competitive appearance since recovering from a hamstring surgery three months prior.
It was initially seen as a significant morale boost for Arsenal`s season, until another setback occurred.
Thirteen minutes later, defender Gabriel Magalhaes pulled up, clutching his hamstring. He limped off the field, visibly concerned about his availability for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in London.
Arsenal`s campaign has been marked by challenges, including Carabao Cup and FA Cup exits and a slip in the Premier League title race following Saka`s earlier hamstring issues. Now, their European aspirations face a potential blow with Gabriel`s injury.
Adding to the concerns, Jurrien Timber also appeared to struggle before being substituted in the 78th minute.
Manager Arteta now faces the daunting task of strategizing against formidable opponents like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham, potentially without two of his regular defenders. Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are also carrying doubts.
On a positive note, Saka`s return to fitness and form is a welcome relief for Arsenal as they prepare to face Real Madrid. His goal against Fulham was his sixth Premier League goal of the season, continuing his impactful performance from December.
The match began with a subdued atmosphere at the Emirates, with Arsenal starting the day 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Their initial performance reflected this, with numerous misplaced passes.
Arteta`s contemplation of bringing on Saka was understandable, seeking a spark to ignite his team`s play.
The game`s flow was further disrupted by Gabriel`s injury, which unfolded in a chaotic manner. As Gabriel went down injured during a Fulham counter-attack, Arsenal continued to play for two more minutes, neglecting to stop the game despite Gabriel`s distress.
Despite protests from Arteta and Declan Rice to halt play, Arsenal pressed on. Fulham eventually regained possession and launched an attack, rightfully playing on amidst Arsenal`s protests.
Gabriel was forced to return to his feet and rejoin the defense until he could be substituted. His replacement, Jakub Kiwior, nearly conceded a chance to Raul Jimenez immediately after coming on.
Fulham`s Jimenez was again involved when Timber went down following a challenge. This time, play was stopped, and Timber received treatment. He had been recovering from illness during the international break but managed to continue.
Saka`s presence on the touchline provided some encouragement. The game desperately needed a breakthrough. Nwaneri`s volley was saved by Bernd Leno, and moments later, Nwaneri set up Merino, whose shot, deflected off Jorge Cuenca, found the net, giving Arsenal the lead.
This somewhat untidy goal was a highlight in an otherwise unremarkable first half. Fulham entered halftime without a single shot on target. This changed within seven minutes of the second half.
Jimenez threatened down the left, and David Raya`s unconvincing clearance created a scramble in the box, which Myles Lewis-Skelly cleared.
Arsenal attempted to increase their tempo. Timber shot at Leno, and Merino had a close volley blocked.
Saka`s introduction proved crucial. He scored from a Merino cross, flicked on by Martinelli, marking a successful return for the young star.
However, without Gabriel, Arsenal struggled to control the game, eventually conceding a late goal to Muniz in injury time.
This late scare serves as a worrying prelude to their upcoming match against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
