Arsenal Edge Past Fulham With Saka's Return Goal And Merino's Strike

Bukayo Saka made a triumphant return from injury, scoring a crucial goal as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday, narrowing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points.

Saka, who had been sidelined since December 21, came off the bench to score a header, marking a successful comeback. Mikel Merino had earlier put Arsenal ahead with a deflected shot in the first half.

Despite the win, Arsenal suffered a blow as key defender Gabriel Magalhes limped off the pitch with a hamstring injury, adding to manager Mikel Artetas injury woes ahead of the Gunners upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Fulham managed to pull a goal back in stoppage time, with Rodrigo Muniz finding the net, but it was too late to impact the result. The loss is a setback for Fulham's hopes of securing a top-five finish and European football for next season, as they remain in eighth place, three points adrift of a Champions League spot.

With the Champions League quarter-finals on the horizon, Arsenal's place in the top five appears secure, moving 14 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle. While Liverpool's commanding lead makes a title push unlikely, Arsenal will focus on their upcoming European fixtures, with Saka's return offering a much-needed boost.