Bukayo Saka's dream return fires Arsenal past Fulham

The match saw the return of Saka after a lengthy four-month injury layoff, and the 23-year-old wasted no time in reminding everyone of his quality.

The Gunners drew first blood just before halftime when Jurrien Timber's clever pass unlocked Fulham's defense. Ethan Nwaneri pounced on the ball, speeding past his marker to set up Merino. The Spaniard's shot, aided by a fortunate deflection, left Bernd Leno helpless as it found the bottom corner, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

The second half was a chaotic, end-to-end spectacle filled with drama. Martin Odegaard squandered a golden chance to double the lead, sending a close-range shot high after a brilliant cross from Gabriel Martinelli. Fulham responded with a huge opportunity of their own - Raul Jimenez sprinted clear on a counterattack but saw his shot brilliantly saved by David Raya. At the other end, Leno had to come up big again, denying Timber's attempt with a sharp save.

But it was Saka's return that truly electrified the crowd. The England international, on as a substitute in the 70th minute, got his first touch of the ball in the 73rd minute and made it count. Rising to meet a perfectly floated cross from Martinelli, Saka nodded it past Leno to send the Emirates into raptures.

Fulham would spoil the clean sheet in the dying moments, as Rodrigo Muniz grabbed a late consolation goal, but it was little more than a footnote on an otherwise commanding Arsenal performance.

There was a darker side to the evening for the Gunners, however, as central defender Gabriel was forced off early with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, potentially a blow for their defensive depth in the closing weeks of the season.

With this win, Arsenal stay in the hunt for a top-four finish, though they remain nine points behind league leaders Liverpool with only eight games to go. Next up for Mikel Arteta's side is a clash with Everton, while the Champions League quarterfinals loom large with Real Madrid coming to town next week.