Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, thanks to a goal from Bukayo Saka, who made his return to the pitch after a lengthy injury layoff. The win helped narrow the gap between Arsenal and Premier League leaders Liverpool to just nine points, keeping their hopes of catching up alive.
Saka, who had not played since December 21, came off the bench in the second half to score the decisive goal. His header came just eight minutes after he entered the match, following a flicked-on cross from Gabriel Martinelli. Saka’s timely return and performance proved to be a significant boost for Arsenal, especially as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
The match started with a fortunate goal for Arsenal. Mikel Merino, filling in as a makeshift striker due to injuries to key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, broke the deadlock with a deflected shot in the first half. Merino, who has been effective in his new role, now has five goals in eight games, though his goal came with a fair amount of luck. Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm offensively in the first 45 minutes, but young Ethan Nwaneri was a constant threat, creating opportunities, including the one that led to Merino’s goal.
However, the win came at a cost. Defender Gabriel Magalhães was forced to leave the field in the first 15 minutes due to a hamstring issue, casting doubt over his availability for the crucial upcoming Champions League match. The injury adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns, but the manager will likely be relieved by Saka’s return.
Fulham did manage to pull one back in stoppage time through Rodrigo Muniz, who scored a late consolation goal. Despite his effort, Fulham’s defeat was a blow to their hopes of securing European football next season. They remain in eighth place, three points behind the top five, which would guarantee a spot in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s victory saw them move 14 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle, solidifying their position in the top five. While their chances of overtaking Liverpool for the title appear slim, their focus will soon shift to their upcoming European challenge.
