Saka Marks His Return with a Goal as Arsenal Edge Fulham 2-1 Bukayo Saka made a triumphant return from injury, scoring a crucial goal as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday. The win narrowed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points. Saka, making his first appearance since December 21, came off the bench to head home Arsenal’s second goal, capping off a successful return to action. Earlier, Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead with a deflected effort in the first half. However, Arsenal’s victory came at a cost, as key defender Gabriel Magalhães was forced off early with a hamstring injury, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. Jurrien Timber also limped off late in the game with a knee issue, adding to Mikel Arteta’s growing injury woes. Saka’s Impact Delights Arteta The Emirates Stadium erupted in applause when Saka was introduced in the second half, underlining how much he had been missed during his absence. "It was a great opportunity to see how much people love him and missed him,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “The reception he got was magnificent. He lifts the stadium, and I am so happy for him because he fully deserves it.” Saka wasted little time in making his mark, scoring just eight minutes after coming on. Gabriel Martinelli flicked on a cross from Merino, allowing Saka to head in from close range for his 10th goal of the season. Arsenal’s Champions League Aspirations Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back for Fulham in stoppage time, but it was merely a consolation. The defeat is a setback for Fulham’s European ambitions, as they remain in eighth place, three points adrift of a top-five finish—likely to be enough for Champions League qualification next season. For Arsenal, the win solidifies their place in the top five, moving them 14 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle. However, catching Liverpool remains an uphill battle, with the Reds firmly in command of the title race. Despite the looming Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, Arteta named a strong starting XI, showing no signs of distraction. However, the injury to Gabriel is a significant concern, as the Brazilian center-back is now a major doubt for that crucial European tie. Merino’s Unlikely Goal-Scoring Streak The first half was a cagey affair, with Arsenal struggling to create clear-cut chances. But Merino, who has been deployed as a makeshift striker due to season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, continued his impressive form in front of goal. The Spanish international now has five goals in his last eight games, though his opener against Fulham carried an element of luck. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat in the first half, delivered a cross that found Merino. His shot took a significant deflection, looping over the goalkeeper and into the far corner. Muniz had an opportunity to set up a tense finish when he headed wide from a promising position with 10 minutes remaining. He later made amends with a stoppage-time goal, but it was too little, too late for the visitors. Arsenal’s victory keeps some pressure on Liverpool ahead of their Merseyside derby against Everton on Wednesday. While the title race remains an uphill battle, the return of Saka offers Arsenal a much-needed boost as they chase European glory and domestic success in the final stretch of the season.