Bukayo Saka marked his return to Arsenal’s starting lineup with a decisive goal and assist in Saturday’s convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham, signaling a timely resurgence ahead of the club’s pivotal Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old winger, making his first start since mid-March after recovering from an Achilles injury, was instrumental in Arsenal’s dominant performance at Craven Cottage. His cross set up Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres for the opener, and Saka himself found the net for the first time in nine games, ending a personal goal drought. This performance marked the first occasion he had both scored and assisted in a Premier League game since November.
Saka’s impactful comeback
Saka’s direct involvement in both goals was a stark reminder of his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side. His assist for Gyokeres was their first Premier League link-up, while his last top-flight assist came in January during Arsenal’s win against Bournemouth. The England international has now been directly involved in 150 goals (80 goals, 70 assists) for Arsenal across 308 appearances, stats that underscore why he became the highest-paid player in Arsenal history after signing a new contract in February.
Arteta was quick to praise Saka’s immediate impact. “Well, he certainly made a difference. I mean, he made two actions that decided the game, and we know what he’s capable of,” Arteta told BBC Sport after the Fulham match. He also confirmed that Saka’s Achilles pain, which had been “restricting his capacity to deliver certain actions,” was now gone.
Read also: Manchester United eye Ederson as Atletico Madrid deal falters
“He’s come back in the most important period of the season, and now he’s fresh, his mind is fresh, his hunger is at the highest possible height, and I think he needed a performance like that to impact the team, so that’s a big platform for Tuesday,” Arteta added.
Crucial timing for Champions League challenge
Saka’s return to form couldn’t be better timed for Arsenal, who have endured a patchy run recently, winning just two of their past six matches. Before the Fulham game, the Gunners hadn’t won by two or more goals since beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the Champions League last 16 in March. Their last truly free-flowing attacking display, and the last time they scored three or more goals, was February’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham.
The upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg level, represents Arsenal’s biggest challenge since their last major trophy win in 2020. Having Saka back at his best provides a significant boost. “I think it was very good on Saturday. I think when he is in that form and he is playing like he always is, it is of course amazing for me and all the other guys to have him on the pitch,” Gyokeres commented ahead of the Atletico clash.
Arteta echoed this sentiment, emphasizing what’s needed at this crucial stage: “Not only the players to be available but to be in top condition to perform and make the difference – and Bukayo certainly gives us that.”
Read also: Manchester City vs. Everton match is not enough as Arsenal seize title initiative
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.bbc.co.uk
Read also: Controversial 3-3 draw rocks Premier League title race as Everton, Manchester City share points
