Saka Scores on Return but Injuries Mar Arsenal’s 2-1 Win Over Fulham

Arsenal secured a 2-1 Premier League victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 1st, with Bukayo Saka scoring minutes into his return from injury. However, the crucial win was overshadowed by injuries to defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber, potentially impacting Arsenal’s run-in.

Mikel Merino, again deployed as a makeshift striker in Arsenal’s injury-hit attack, opened the scoring eight minutes before halftime. Ethan Nwaneri, played in behind the Fulham defence by Jurrien Timber, found Merino, whose deflected shot beat goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The second half saw chances for both sides. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard missed an opportunity, while Fulham’s Raul Jimenez was denied by a good save from David Raya. Leno also saved well from Timber at the other end.

The biggest cheer of the night came in the 73rd minute when Bukayo Saka, making his first appearance in nearly four months after injury, headed home from a flicked-on cross shortly after coming off the bench. Manager Mikel Arteta described it as “a beautiful moment” highlighting the fans’ affection for the player, adding, “It lifted the stadium… It’s great to have him back.”

Fulham pulled a goal back late on through Rodrigo Muniz, but Arsenal held on for the three points.

The victory, however, came at a cost. Gabriel was substituted just 15 minutes into the match with a suspected hamstring injury, while Timber also had to be withdrawn after struggling early in the game. “Gabby felt something in his hamstring, we don’t know how big that is,” Arteta said post-match. “Jurrien was struggling very early in the game, he managed to continue but at some point he couldn’t.” Both players will be assessed on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The win keeps Arsenal’s slim title hopes alive, though they remain nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who face Everton on Wednesday. Arsenal play Everton themselves on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg next week.

Fulham manager Marco Silva lamented his side’s performance, stating they were not “aggressive enough” and conceded “two soft goals.” The defeat damages Fulham’s outside chances of pushing for a European qualification spot.