Bukayo Saka scored minutes after coming on for his first appearance in more than three months, as Arsenal held on for a 2-1 win over Fulham.
This was the Gunners’ first match in 16 days, when Mikel Merino earned them a narrow victory over Chelsea, and it looked like being the same story here in another London derby.
The Spaniard, once again playing as a striker, opened the scoring before half-time with the help of a big deflection, in what had otherwise been a frustrating opening period for the hosts.
Chances were limited and Arsenal lost Gabriel in the opening 15 minutes, the centre-back limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Saka was back in the squad for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury of his own in December, one that required surgery, and he was introduced with 25 minutes remaining to huge cheers.
Barely five minutes later, he was on the scoresheet and the roars grew even louder. Merino’s cross was flicked on by Martinelli, leaving Saka with a simple finish at the back post to mark his return in style.
Rodrigo Muniz, who had earlier somehow headed wide from point-blank range, beat David Raya with a deflected strike in stoppage-time to set up a nervy couple of minutes.
Fulham then won a corner to pile on the pressure, but Arsenal held on for victory to move to within nine points of Liverpool, at least for 24 hours.
More to follow...
