Saka sounds warning to Real Madrid with goalscoring return in Fulham win

Bukayo Saka | Imago

Saka sounds warning to Real Madrid with goalscoring return in Fulham win

Kolawole Babatunde 21:43 - 01.04.2025

Arsenal made a winning return from the international break with a London derby victory over Fulham.

Bukayo Saka made a fairytale return after 101 days out of action with a hamstring injury.

The 2-1 victory saw the Gunners reduce the point gap between them and league leaders Liverpool to nine points, having played one extra game.

As it happened 

Saka’s return dominated the headlines ahead of Arsenal’s game against Fulham. The winger suffered a hamstring injury in December against Crystal Palace and had to go through rehabilitation for three months.

Mikel Arteta said he was ready to go but didn’t name him in the starting lineup as youngster Ethan Nwaneri got the nod instead.

The Gunners dominated the game from the start but Fulham defended resolutely.

However, Arteta’s men finally got their break when makeshift striker Mikel Merino marauded carefully in the box before shooting towards goal, with a slight deflection taking it away from Bernd Leno in goal for the visitors.

The first half ended 1-0 and the second half started in similar fashion with the Gunners dominating again.

The game was largely uneventful until the 66th minute when Saka’s introduction caused an uproar among fans at the Emirates.

Seven minutes later, the English winger headed home from close range to double Arsenal’s lead after fine work from Gabriel Martinelli to set up the goal.

Rodrigo Muniz came off the bench to score in stoppage time for Fulham, but it was too late as Arsenal held on for the win.

Next in line for the Gunners is a lunchtime kickoff away at Goodison Park on Saturday. 

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