Home » Arsenal 2-1 Fulham: Saka and Merino sealed three points but double injuries cast a shadow

Arsenal 2-1 Fulham: Saka and Merino sealed three points but double injuries cast a shadow

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham in their Premier League Matchday 30 clash at the Emirates, with Bukayo Saka marking his return by scoring the host’s second goal. Mikel Merino also found the net for the hosts, while Fulham managed a late consolation through Rodrigo Muniz.

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Despite the win, the Gunners were dealt a significant blow as key defender Gabriel and Jurrien Timber were forced off with a suspected hamstring injury just 16 minutes into the match. This setback comes at a critical time, with Arsenal set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals in just a week.

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Arsenal 2-1 Fulham – Saka marked the return by a goal

Saka had been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on December 21, 2024. Named in the squad against Fulham, he received a warm reception from the Emirates crowd as he warmed up on the sidelines during the first half.

He finally entered the pitch in the 66th minute, replacing Ethan Nwaneri, and wasted no time making an impact. Just seven minutes later, in the 73rd minute, Mikel Merino delivered a cross from the left, which Gabriel Martinelli cleverly flicked towards the far post. Saka was perfectly positioned to head the ball into an empty net, sealing a momentous return.

After scoring, the 23-year-old celebrated with his teammates before running to embrace Sam Wilson, the fitness coach who helped him recover over the past three months.

This goal marked Saka’s 10th across all competitions this season, including six in the Premier League and four in the Champions League. Additionally, with 11 assists, he became the first Arsenal player since Alexis Sánchez (2014-2017) to register double-digit goals and assists in three consecutive seasons.

Merino and Arsenal’s Unfinished Business

Before Saka’s goal, Mikel Merino had put Arsenal ahead in the 37th minute. Playing in an advanced role, the Spanish midfielder struck a low shot that deflected off Jorge Cuenca, leaving the Fulham goalkeeper helpless. Remarkably, six of Merino’s seven Premier League goals this season have been Arsenal’s opening goals.

Despite controlling most of the match, Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet. In stoppage time, Rodrigo Muniz capitalized on a defensive lapse to pull one back for Fulham, denying goalkeeper David Raya a shutout.

Injury Concerns Loom Large for Arsenal after Fulham win as Real Madrid clash is imminent

Serious injury concerns overshadowed Arsenal’s victory. Gabriel limped off in the 16th minute, reportedly suffering from a hamstring issue. Adding to Arsenal’s woes, Jurrien Timber also had to be substituted in the second half with a knee injury.

With a crucial league fixture against Everton on April 5 and a Champions League showdown against Real Madrid just days later, Arsenal’s defensive crisis could not have come at a worse time. Facing the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr without key defensive reinforcements is a daunting prospect, even for the most optimistic Arsenal supporters.

The full extent of Gabriel and Timber’s injuries will be assessed today, April 2, with Arsenal anxiously awaiting medical updates.