Bukayo Saka played a crucial role in Arsenal's impressive first-half display, scoring twice before being rested. His presence significantly boosts Arsenal's chances in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Key points
Bukayo Saka scored two goals in the first half
Arsenal is one game away from the Champions League final
Saka's presence boosts Arsenal's title race chances
Arsenal performed better with Saka starting
Bukayo SakaArsenal
Bukayo Saka celebrates putting Arsenal 2-0 in an impressive first-half display
Bukayo Saka did what he had to do by half-time before being rested for the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final - Kin Cheung/AP
Without Bukayo Saka in their starting XI, Arsenal have stayed in the Premier League title race and are one game away from the Champions League final, but everyone at the Emirates could agree on this afternoon that life is much easier when their famous No 7 is starting games.
The prodigal son started his first match since his Achilles injury in the Carabao Cup final on March 22 and he needed just 45 minutes to take care of the afternoon’s business. A cross swept on to the toes of Viktor Gyokeres for the first goal, a shot whipped inside the near post of Bernd Leno’s goal for the second. Saka’s work was done. For once, Mikel Arteta and 60,000 anxious home fans could relax at three goals up at half-time, during which Saka was withdrawn to conserve his energy levels.
Q&A
How did Bukayo Saka perform in Arsenal's recent match?
Bukayo Saka scored two goals in the first half, contributing significantly to Arsenal's performance.
What impact does Bukayo Saka have on Arsenal's title race?
Saka's presence in the starting XI greatly enhances Arsenal's chances in the Premier League title race.
What are Arsenal's current standings in the Champions League?
Arsenal is one game away from reaching the Champions League final.
Why is Bukayo Saka considered essential for Arsenal?
Saka is viewed as essential because his contributions make the team significantly stronger in crucial matches.
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For Gyokeres it was a triumphant afternoon, featuring a return to the team in the Premier League – having lost his place to Kai Havertz – and two first-half goals. His was the assist for Saka, and everyone in a home shirt just looked the better for having the club’s best attacking player back on the right wing. Fulham’s players, suffering from a virus that had ruled out of contention Sander Berge, and slowed down many others, were blown away in the first half. They did at least get it together after the break.
Arsenal’s 23rd Premier League win of the season took them to 76 points, six better than Manchester City with their two games in hand.
Arteta could save Saka’s legs and also substitute Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Ben White long before the end, with Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid in mind. Martín Zubimendi ended the game as Rice’s replacement. Myles Lewis-Skelly had a very decent 90-plus minutes – originally in midfield in Zubimendi’s place. Finally, a little rotation from Arteta, although still not a single minute for poor old Christian Norgaard. If not in a second half cruise like this one, when will he ever get a game?
A big first half for Arteta and his players, lifted by the third in the fourth minute of time added on when Gyokeres pulled away from Calvin Bassey and made himself a good target for Leandro Trossard’s cross.
This had been a very rewarding half for the Swedish forward. He has struggled this season, but against a Fulham team that was hemmed in and a pairing of Bassey and Joachim Andersen who were having a very bad afternoon, Gyokeres took his chances. Not all of it was perfect from the No 14 but if every game had been this straightforward he would not be wondering about his place in the team. It was his assist for the Saka goal too, a moment of good sensible running into the channel and waiting long enough for Saka to make the run.
Arsenal were excellent before the break. They played with intensity and their opposition were simply unable to get out of their own half for much of it. Marco Silva’s players did not register a single touch in the Arsenal penalty box before half-time. If this was indeed a team suffering a collective virus it seemed to be one that recreated the days of their abject away form. They were made to look ponderous at times, lightweight at others. Silva’s players can play a lot better.
Myles Lewis-Skelly started his first Arsenal senior game in midfield, in the absence of Martin Zubimendi and brought the necessary robustness as well as the energy. Back in the XI, Saka was a menace. Everything hit up to him stuck, including one cross field ball aimed at his neck just before half-time which he somehow controlled with one foot in touch and a defender all over him. His finish for the second Arsenal goal was clever – whipped in at Bernd Leno’s near post from the left side. He only needed to play a single half – Noni Madueke was on in his place at half-time
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly on the ball against Fulham
Myles Lewis-Skelly rewarded Mikel Arteta for giving him a start in central midfield - Kin Cheung/AP
Saka had made the first for Gyokeres, benefiting from Raul Jimenez’s slip. Saka might just have beaten him anyway but as it turned out he had time and space to pick out Gyokeres with Andersen having totally lost his man in the box. Arsenal would have five shots on target in the first half and the question was chiefly whether they would get a decent return on their dominance. Riccardo Calafiori’s header from Trossard’s cross was nicely placed but the full-back was well offside.
No such problems deep into injury time when Fulham were caught on the counter and Trossard took Timothy Castagne for a long run down the left. Castagne never got close and by the time Trossard looked up, Gyokeres had made some space for himself.
Gyokeres’s second goal took him to 21 for the season, the first Arsenal player to score more than 20 in all competitions in their debut season since Alexis Sanchez in 2014-2015. Fulham came back into the game after the break, or at least held their own. Calafiori hit the bar with a header. In the 72nd minute, Castagne registered a shot on target – the first for Fulham. Trossard’s performance indicated he will be in contention to start on Tuesday on the left of the attackers, and no question who will start on the opposite flank.
08:06pm
Arsenal’s confidence has been restored
That eye-catching performance and victory means that Arsenal head into next week’s Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid brimming with positivity.
Now six points ahead of Man City in the Premier League, these are their remaining top-flight fixtures:
Mikel Arteta manager / head coach of Arsenal celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England.
A jubilant Mikel Arteta looks delighted with Arsenal’s performance - Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images Europe
Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates following victory in the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 2, 2026.
Declan Rice celebrates following Arsenal’s dominant victory - Adam Davy/PA
A commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham ensures that Arsenal move six points clear at the top of the Premier League. All the goals arrived in the first half, with Gyokeres’ double and Saka’s clinical finish sealing a pivotal win. Lewis-Skelly produced a brilliant midfield performance, while Arsenal were rampant going forward.
07:23pm
90+2 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Fulham substitute King glides into Arsenal’s box and the ball trickles across a dangerous area. Mosquera does well to dig out a vital clearance to help the hosts protect their clean sheet.
07:22pm
90 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
There will be four minutes of added time. The Emirates is relaxed and in full voice. This game has been done and dusted for a while now.
07:19pm
88 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Most of the away end have already departed the Emirates. It’s been a disappointing performance from Fulham, who are set to lose vital ground in the race for European football.
07:16pm
85 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
From the halfway line, Dowman drives at the Fulham defence. The youngster’s balance is excellent as he darts inside of Kusi-Asare. However, he shoots while leaning back, and his effort drifts wide.
07:14pm
83 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Arteta makes a late change as Mosquera replaces White for the final part of the match.
07:13pm
80 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Arsenal hit the bar. Corners have been such an effective attacking tool for the hosts, who are so close to a fourth. Madueke swings a cross into the box and Calafiori rises highest and heads the ball. He beats Leno to it, but it clips the Fulham goalkeeper’s head before rebounding off the bar. Leno knew nothing it. After having a first half goal ruled out by VAR, luck is not on Calafiori’s side today.
07:08pm
79 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Eze has produced another influential performance and he’s withdrawn for Dowman. Smith Rowe cannot continue and comes off for Kusi-Asare.
07:07pm
76 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Fulham make a rare foray forward and it ends with Smith Rowe slamming an effort into the side netting from a tight angle. After shooting, he goes down and is in need of treatment.
07:05pm
73 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Fulham make their fourth change of the match as Rodrigo Muniz enters the action, replacing Jimenez, who has struggled to impact the game.
07:03pm
72 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Arsenal can’t clear a Fulham corner and the ball bounces around the penalty area. It eventually falls to Castagne, who fires a powerful strike at Raya, forcing the goalkeeper into a relatively simple save. That is Fulham’s first shot on target of the match.
07:00pm
70 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Despite Arsenal’s advantage, which looks in no danger of being overturned, Arteta is still bellowing out instructions to his players and bouncing around his technical area.
Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Fulham in London, England, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal look set to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League - Kin Cheung/AP
06:57pm
67 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
The Arsenal fans have just produced a rendition of “49, 49 Lewis-Skelly”, which is a remix of their famous “49, 49 undefeated” chant. That one hasn’t been heard for a while but Lewis-Skelly deserves it for his performance here.
06:56pm
64 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Both teams make a string of changes.
Fulham make a triple substitution as Cairney, King and Bobb come on for Reed, Chukwueze and Wilson, with the latter looking frustrated with the decision.
Gyokeres won’t get his hat-trick as he’s replaced by Jesus. Rice also gets a rest, with Zubimendi entering the action.
06:53pm
62 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres shoots at goal as Fulham's Bernd Leno makes a save
Bernd Leno denies Viktor Gyokeres, who is looking for a hat-trick - Dylan Martinez/REUTERS
06:50pm
59 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Fulham fail to clear an Arsenal free-kick and the ball eventually bounces to Trossard. The Belgian shoots, but doesn’t properly connect with the half-volley, which Leno gathers comfortably.
06:48pm
56 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Gyokeres is so close to a hat-trick. Once again, the striker makes a piercing run behind the Fulham defence. On this occasion, he’s found by Trossard and is through on goal. Instead of using his left foot, he tries to cut across the ball and strike it with the inside of his right. This allows Leno to close the angle down and the Fulham goalkeeper makes an impressive stop.
06:46pm
55 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
This half is currently being played at a far slower tempo. Arsenal did the hard work in the first half and look content with protecting their three-goal advantage.
06:42pm
52 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
We’ve barely mentioned Wilson’s name so far. Fulham’s most influential player this season hasn’t had a look in today.
06:40pm
50 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Reed whips a corner into the box and Castagne wins the header at the near post. The full-back glances his attempt narrowly wide.
06:38pm
48 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Jimenez is about 30 yards out and tries a speculative effort from long range. He hits it with a lot of power and it flies off target.
06:36pm
46 min: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
We are back under way for the second half. Arteta has made a half-time change, taking off Saka for Madueke. Saka has only just come back from injury so it looks like a sensible decision.
06:35pm
Saka and Gyokeres were superb in that first half
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Viktor Gyokeres during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England.
Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres combined to devastating effect in the first half - Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
06:26pm
Arsenal’s most impressive display for weeks
This has been Arsenal’s best performance for a long, long time. Maybe their most dominant showing of 2026. Saka and Gyokeres are destroying Fulham. Arsenal have had 14 shots to Fulham’s two, and 22 touches in the box to Fulham’s zero. Goal difference on their minds now surely...
Arteta has a decision to make now. Rest players ahead of the Champions League semi-final in midweek, or keep the big boys on the field because of the potential boost to goal difference? A reminder that if both Arsenal and City win all their remaining games, they will finish level on points.
06:21pm
HT: Arsenal 3 Fulham 0
Arsenal are cheered off the pitch by their fans after racing into a dominant three-goal lead over Fulham. The hosts have been magnificent and completely outclassed the visitors. Saka’s fabulous assist set up Gyokeres for the first goal, before the Arsenal captain added the home side’s second with a clinical finish. Seconds before half-time, Trossard floated a inviting cross into Gyokeres, who headed in Arsenal’s third.
06:20pm
GOAL! Gyokeres adds a third seconds before half-time
Trossard is unleashed on the wing and runs at Castagne. The Arsenal attacker goes on the outside of the Fulham full-back, before floating a delicate cross into Gyokeres, who directs a firm header into the net from close range.
06:16pm
45 min: Arsenal 2 Fulham 0
There will be three minutes of added time. Fulham look like they can’t wait for the half to end. Arsenal have been overwhelmingly dominant.
06:15pm
44 min: Arsenal 2 Fulham 0
Arsenal pile forward in search of another goal as White clips a cross towards Gabriel at the back post. The Brazilian can’t quite reach it, with a couple other Arsenal players waiting for a tap in.
06:13pm
42 min: Arsenal 2 Fulham 0
Arsenal have scored two goals in a game for the first time since March 17th. Ends a run of eight matches scoring one or zero times.
06:11pm
GOAL! Saka doubles Arsenal’s lead with a clinical finish
The Arsenal captain has been unplayable in this first half. Gyokeres makes a run behind the Fulham defence and is picked out by Eze’s pinpoint pass. The striker holds up the ball and plays in Saka, who fizzes an effort into the bottom corner.
06:10pm
40 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
Trossard drifts inside and dances past Reed to get into a central position. The winger shoots, but his strike is tame and easily collected by Leno.
06:08pm
38 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
There’s a couple of uncomfortable moments for White, who loses possession to Lukic before miscuing a clearance. Fulham have shown small signs of promise in the last few minutes, but they’re yet to record a shot on target.
06:06pm
35 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal scores a goal which was later ruled out for offside during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England.
Riccardo Calafiori thought he had doubled Arsenal’s advantag, but his goal was ruled out for offside - Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe
06:04pm
32 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
Boos were ringing around the Emirates when Calafiori’s goal was disallowed. Nevertheless, Arsenal must persevere. They’ve been all over Fulham in this first half so far.
06:00pm
NO GOAL! Arsenal double their lead through Calafiori but he’s offside
Rice threads a ball to Saka, who pulls a cross back to Eze. The playmaker’s shot is blocked by the Fulham defence and Leno. Arsenal quickly string together another attack as Trossard floats a cross into the box. Calafiori then nods a delicate header into the net, but VAR rules that the Italian defender was offside. Arsenal’s joy is cut short.
05:57pm
27 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
How have Arsenal not scored?! Leno flaps at a cross as he challenges Gabriel. The ball eventually spills out to Gyokeres, whose low shot forces Leno into a save. The rebound then falls to Saka and the Arsenal captain drills an effort wide.
05:54pm
25 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
This has been an impressively dominant and fluid start by Arsenal, who have had all of the ball and all of the territory. They seem determined to not allow Fulham beyond the halfway line, let alone into the penalty area. David Raya has just slide-tackled Raul Jimenez in Fulham’s half.
05:53pm
23 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
Lukic receives the game’s first yellow card for needlessly tripping Eze. The Fulham midfielder looked annoyed and took his frustration out on Eze. He must be extremely careful now.
05:52pm
21 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
Rice and Lewis-Skelly are sitting as quite a deep double pivot at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, giving Eze the freedom to roam around the pitch. Gyokeres does well to win a free kick against Andersen. Rice then swings a delicious cross into the box, which Leno only punches to Eze on the edge of the area. The former Crystal Palace man shoots, but his attempt is blocked by a sea of bodies.
05:48pm
18 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
In recent weeks, Arsenal have been accused of looking tentative at the start of games. So far today, there are no signs of nerves for the league leaders.
05:46pm
16 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England.
Viktor Gyokeres taps Arsenal into an early lead against Fulham - Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe
05:44pm
14 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
That was Saka’s first assist for Gyokeres in the Premier League. They have not really gelled this season but Arsenal will hope this is the start of a better connection.
05:42pm
11 min: Arsenal 1 Fulham 0
That goal is the perfect foundation for Arsenal to build upon. If it stays like this, the home side will move six points clear of Man City at the top of the Premier League table.
05:40pm
GOAL! Saka brilliantly tees up Gyokeres for an early opener
It’s sensational attacking play from Saka. That is the winger at his very best. He breezes past Jimenez and leaves the striker on the floor, before firing in a low cross for Gyokeres, who is waiting inside the six-yard box. The Swede then taps a close-range effort into the net to settle the early Arsenal nerves.
The hosts are dominating the ball in these early stages. As well as Leno, Smith-Rowe is also making a return to his old stomping ground. The Englishman was an Arsenal academy graduate, but had to leave the club in 2024 for Fulham in search of more regular football.
05:33pm
3 min: Arsenal 0 Fulham 0
Saliba finds Eze with a sweeping long pass, but the playmaker can’t control it. Arsenal do well to regain possession through Lewis-Skelly, who tees up Trossard. The winger runs at Castagne, before he twists and flashes a low drive wide of the far post.
Really strong start by Lewis-Skelly in midfield. Within two minutes he’s earned a free-kick, created a chance and won a couple of duels.
05:30pm
Kick-off
We are under way at the Emirates.
05:26pm
The teams emerge from the tunnel
Saka and Reed lead their sides out onto the pitch. Can Arsenal go six points clear or will Fulham spoil their party?
05:25pm
Other Premier League results
Friday 1st May
Leeds United 3 Burnley 1
Saturday 2nd May
Brentford 3 West Ham United 0
Newcastle United 3 Brighton 1
Wolves 1 Sunderland 1
05:18pm
Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp speak about the importance of Bukayo Saka
05:15pm
A former Arsenal man returns to the Emirates
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno spent four years at Arsenal between 2018 and 2022, before moving to Fulham. The 34-year-old has started every Premier League game for Marco Silva’s side this season.
05:11pm
Jamie Redknapp speaks on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s start in midfield
05:07pm
Arsenal out for their warm-up
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, Viktor Gyokeres and teammates during the warm up before the match.
Arsenal are in full focus ahead of this pivotal Premier League match - Dylan Martinez/REUTERS
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres during the warm up before the match.
Can Viktor Gyokeres make the all-important difference for Arsenal against Fulham? - Dylan Martinez/REUTERS
05:00pm
Mikel Arteta’s pre-match thoughts
04:51pm
Arsenal fans out in full force
The Emirates has become a cauldron of intensity and nerves in recent weeks. Can the players help the fans relax with a dominant performance today?
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Arsenal fans walk to the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England.
Thousands of Arsenal fans make their away to the Emirates - Alex Pantling/Getty Images Europe
04:42pm
Harrison Reed named as Fulham’s captain
An earlier graphic suggested that Joachim Andersen would captain the side, but Fulham have now confirmed that Harrison Reed will take the armband.
04:37pm
Fulham’s dreadful record at the Emirates
History is on Arsenal’s side today: they have not lost any of their 32 home league games against Fulham, which is the most any side has faced another without defeat in English Football League history. Fulham, meanwhile, have never won a Premier League away game against the league leaders.
All of which should be encouraging for Arsenal fans, except for the fact that a draw would be just as damaging as a defeat...
04:33pm
Myles Lewis-Skelly gets a rare start
The big team news for Arsenal is that Myles Lewis-Skelly starts in the Premier League for only the second time this season. Interestingly, it seems like he is starting in a midfield position. If so, this will be the first time he has started as a midfielder for Arsenal’s senior team. He came through the academy as a central midfielder but has played left-back for the first team.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is set to make a rare Premier League start for Arsenal - Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Marco Silva has made two alterations to the team which beat Aston Villa. Ryan Sessegnon, who netted the winner in the victory over Villa, is unavailable due to injury, and is replaced by Antonee Robinson.
The other change sees Harrison Reed come in for Sander Berge. Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi is sidelined with an injury.
04:17pm
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta has made five changes to the side which drew against Atletico Madrid. Bukayo Saka begins for the first time since the Carabao Cup final at the end of March, while Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze also start.
Martin Odegaard was taken off in midweek and doesn’t make the squad today. Kai Havertz picked up an injury during last weekend’s win over Newcastle United and remains absent. Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino are also missing.
04:12pm
Arsenal’s midweek exploits
On Wednesday evening, Arsenal drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano. Both Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez scored penalties in an evenly-matched encounter. Eberechi Eze thought he had won a late penalty after he was tripped by David Hancko, but the referee’s decision was overturned by VAR.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: (L) Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring Arsenal's goal witth Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, William Saliba, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Ben White during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Arsenal players celebrate after Viktor Gyokeres netted his penalty - Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone reacts during a Champions League semifinal, first leg, soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
It’s all to play for in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final tie with Atletico Madrid following that draw in the first leg - Jose Breton/AP
04:03pm
Today’s setting
04:00pm
Crunch time
Hello and welcome to our live blog for this Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.
Just two wins in their previous eight games across all competitions has caused anxiety to skyrocket amongst the Arsenal faithful in recent weeks. The title almost feels within touching distance, but Arsenal’s closest challengers, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, are hitting their stride, intensifying the pressure and turning up the heat on Mikel Arteta’s men.
A win this evening over Fulham would give Arsenal a six-point cushion ahead of Man City, having played two games more. It would draw all eyes to Man City, who would need to be faultless in their upcoming fixtures against Everton and Brentford to keep pace with Arsenal before they face West Ham United next Sunday.
Arsenal were in action earlier in the week, drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in Spain. The club’s injury problems mean that various key players have missed a combined total of 262 matches, which is one of the reasons why their form has dipped at the business end of the campaign. Arteta is having to delve into his squad and exhaust his resources to continue balancing domestic and European football.
Fulham are no pushovers and are only two points behind sixth-place Brighton. They’re involved in a busy race for European football, and an unlikely result at the Emirates would do wonderfully to serve this cause.
With manager Marco Silva’s future still looking uncertain, some form of European competition could be the missing component that would convince him to stay at the club.
Arsenal stumbled to an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in their previous Premier League outing, while Fulham also won by the same scoreline, beating Aston Villa at Craven Cottage thanks to Ryan Sessegnon’s first half goal.
Despite their tiredness and the mounting pressure, Arsenal must hold off Fulham and flex their title-winning muscles. More dropped points will only increase the fans’ doubt and embolden Man City, who are waiting to pounce on any Arsenal mistake.
Kick-off is at 17:30, with team news coming shortly.
