Arsenal vs Fulham LIVE: Reaction as Saka scores the winner on his return for the Gunners

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The Independent

·1 April 2025

Arsenal vs Fulham LIVE: Reaction as Saka scores the winner on his return for the Gunners

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Saka 'ready to go' for Arsenal - Arteta

Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League on Tuesday as Bukayo Saka came off the bench to score the winner and keep up the pressure on league leaders Liverpool.

The hosts dominated the opening exchanges, with Gabriel being forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury before it all sparked into life as Mikel Merino made the space to squeeze through a shot that deflected past Bernd Leno.

That goal gave Arsenal plenty of impetus and they began the second half brilliantly, making their dominance count with several chances before Saka nodded home from a brilliant Gabriel Martinelli flick.

Arsenal rode their luck at times in a game of fine margins, with Rodrigo Muniz grabbing a consolation in stoppage time, but it mattered little as the Gunners held out to secure a deserved win in an accomplished home performance.

Pinned

Arsenal suffer another injury setback as Gabriel limps off against Fulham

Arsenal have suffered yet another injury setback after Gabriel limped off early into their visit of Fulham.

The Brazilian defender appeared to be hobbling around the box before hitting the turf, holding his leg and shaking his head.

Gunners players immediately indicated to the referee to halt play, with it clear Gabriel would not be able to continue.

Arsenal suffer another injury setback as Gabriel limps off against Fulham

Gabriel’s withdrawal acts as the latest of a litany of injury blows in recent months

Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology this month

Semi-automated offsides will be introduced in Premier League matches for the latter stages of the current season, the league has revealed.

The technology was originally intended to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks in October or November.

It was notably debuted in English football during the FA Cup fifth round at the start of March, featuring in seven of the eight ties being played.

Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology

The system, which has been used in the FA Cup, was originally intended to make its debut during the autumn

Chris Wilson2 April 2025 00:00

Bukayo Saka’s fairytale return proves he has the potential to be Arsenal’s miracle-maker

Sometimes the blatantly predictable is best in football.

A night built around Bukayo Saka’s long-awaited return from injury, Arsenal’s superstar winger marked his comeback with a goal as the Gunners ran out 2-1 winners over Fulham. A win that nibbled away at Liverpool’s hefty margin at the top of the Premier League table, Saka’s moment did far more than secure the points for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal started the day 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but you really wouldn’t have been able to tell that going off the Emirates atmosphere. No matter what you think of the anthem, a rousing rendition of North London Forever preceded the contest, with the Gunners faithful remaining in full voice for the opening stages. He was only on the bench, but the impact of Saka’s long-awaited return to the fold was evident from the outset.