On April 1, 2025, Arsenal faced Fulham in a thrilling Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, where the Gunners emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. The match was marked by the return of Bukayo Saka, who made an immediate impact after coming off the bench.
Arsenal's starting XI featured Raya in goal, with Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Nwaneri, Merino, and Martinelli rounding out the squad. Fulham countered with Leno in goal and a defensive setup that included Cuenca, Andersen, Diop, Robinson, Berge, Lukic, Castagne, Smith Rowe, Adama, and Jimenez.
The match began with a setback for Arsenal as Gabriel suffered a hamstring injury just 15 minutes in, forcing him to be replaced by Jakob Kiwior. Despite this blow, Arsenal maintained composure and began to assert their dominance over the game.
Ethan Nwaneri was a standout player for Arsenal, nearly scoring early on when he forced a save from Fulham's goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. The Gunners' persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Nwaneri cut back a pass to Mikel Merino, who scored with a deflected shot, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
As the second half commenced, Fulham appeared more threatening, with Raul Jimenez almost equalizing shortly after the break. However, David Raya was equal to the task, making a crucial save. The Gunners responded quickly, and in a moment that electrified the Emirates crowd, Bukayo Saka made his long-awaited return from injury in the 66th minute, receiving a rousing reception.
Just six minutes after entering the pitch, Saka scored what would be the winning goal. Gabriel Martinelli initiated the attack, passing to Merino, who then delivered a cross that Martinelli flicked on to Saka, allowing him to nod the ball past Leno. The goal marked Saka's 10th of the season and showcased his continued importance to the team.
Fulham, determined to fight back, found a glimmer of hope in stoppage time when Rodrigo Muniz scored, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Muniz's goal came from a setup by Ryan Sessegnon, and although it created a tense final few moments, Arsenal managed to hold on for the win.
Post-match, Declan Rice praised Saka's influence, stating, "The reception speaks for itself. That's why he's one of the best wingers in the world - he attacks the box and sniffs where the danger is going to be. All of our front players are different to each other. Now we've got Bukayo back it's a real boost." Rice also expressed concern over Gabriel's injury, saying, "I hope he's okay because he's been arguably our best player this season. Let's pray he's okay."
With this victory, Arsenal maintained an impressive record against Fulham, remaining unbeaten in their last 32 home meetings across all competitions. The win also marked back-to-back victories for Arsenal, further solidifying their position in the Premier League as they chase a top-four finish.
Looking at the stats, Bukayo Saka has now been involved in 23 goals in all competitions this season, with 10 goals and 13 assists. He joins an elite group as the third Premier League player to achieve 10 or more goals and assists in three consecutive seasons, alongside Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes.
Arsenal's performance in the match was characterized by their control of possession and territory, despite the early injury to Gabriel. The team showed resilience, especially with the contributions from young players like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, who both had commendable outings.
Fulham, on the other hand, faced a setback with this loss, marking their second consecutive away defeat in the Premier League. They have now lost three of their last five matches, a stark contrast to their earlier form this season where they had been in contention for a European spot.
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming fixtures, they will face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, April 5, before turning their attention to a Champions League clash against Real Madrid on April 8. The Gunners will be hoping to build on their recent performances and continue their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
This match will be remembered not only for the three points secured but also for the triumphant return of Bukayo Saka, whose presence on the pitch is sure to inspire the team as they navigate the critical final weeks of the season.
