Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League after a convincing 3-0 win over Fulham at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
Bukayo Saka returned from injury in fine form as he inspired the Gunners to another important victory, while Viktor Gyokeres scored twice to take his tally for the season to 21 goals.
Arsenal started strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute. Saka, making his first start since recovering from an Achilles injury in March, burst down the right wing and delivered a simple pass for Gyokeres to finish from close range.
The home side doubled their advantage five minutes before half-time. Gyokeres turned provider this time as he slipped the ball through to Saka, who calmly curled his effort past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Gyokeres completed his brace in first-half stoppage time when he headed in a cross from Leandro Trossard to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal nearly added another goal in the second half when Riccardo Calafiori hit the crossbar with a header. The defender had earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside.
With one eye on Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, manager Mikel Arteta made several changes to his side and was able to rest Saka and other key players after the break.
The result increases the pressure on title rivals Manchester City, who still have two games in hand and will face Everton on Monday.
Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role, while the attacking play of Arsenal looked sharp throughout the match.
For Fulham, it was a disappointing evening. Marco Silva’s team struggled to create chances and managed only one shot on target during the game. The defeat leaves them 10th in the table and dealing a blow to their hopes of qualifying for European competition next season.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to their crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, with the tie level at 1-1 after the first leg.
