- Bukayo Saka marked his return after a 101-day absence with a goal just seven minutes after coming on
- Arsenal narrowed the gap to league leaders Liverpool to nine points, though the Reds have a game in hand
- Gabriel Magalhães and Jurriën Timber both suffered injuries, with Gabriel potentially out for the Champions League clash against Real Madrid
Key Takeaways:
Arsenal defeated Fulham 2:1 at the Emirates in the London derby from the 30th round of the Premier League. The win helped the Gunners reduce their deficit to Liverpool to nine points ahead of today’s Merseyside derby. Mikel Merino (37’) opened the scoring with his fifth goal in his last eight matches, and Bukayo Saka sealed the hosts’ well-earned victory.
Back-to-back wins in N5 🙌 pic.twitter.com/oywhMsy8Oo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 1, 2025
After 101 days on the sidelines due to injury, Saka made his return in the 66th minute to a warm ovation from the fans with Arsenal leading 1:0. Just seven minutes later, he capped his comeback with a goal to double the lead.
However, there was worrying news for Mikel Arteta’s side. Gabriel Magalhães picked up an injury that early reports suggest could sideline him for at least the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Jurriën Timber also had to be substituted with a knock.
Rodrigo Muniz scored a consolation goal for Fulham in stoppage time.
At least on paper, Arsenal remain in the Premier League title race, sitting nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
Fulham are currently seventh in the standings with 45 points, four behind the Champions League spots.