Bukayo Saka made an instant impact on his return from injury, scoring just seven minutes after coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. However, the victory came at a cost, as defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber both suffered injuries.
Saka’s Quick Return to Scoring
The England winger had been out for 101 days but wasted no time in making a difference. He was introduced in the 66th minute and found the net in the 73rd minute, heading in a flick from Gabriel Martinelli after Mikel Merino’s cross.
Arsenal had earlier taken the lead in the first half through Merino, whose deflected strike found the back of the net. Fulham responded in injury time with a goal from Rodrigo Muniz, but the Gunners held on for the win.
Injury Concerns for Arsenal
Despite the positive result, Arsenal suffered two major injury setbacks. Gabriel had to be substituted in the first half after pulling up with a hamstring problem, just a week before Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid. Later in the match, Timber also limped off, adding to Arsenal’s defensive worries.
Gunners Close the Gap
The win moves Arsenal within nine points of league leaders Liverpool, but manager Mikel Arteta will be concerned about the growing injury list as his team enters a crucial phase of the season.
