LONDON — The “Starboy” has returned to the spotlight. Arsenal desperately needed a boost to refresh their attacking game as the pressure to convert points into rewards escalated, and Bukayo Saka answered that call against Fulham on Saturday.
Saka’s electrifying connection with Viktor Gyökeres was pivotal in a 3-0 victory, marking a significant shift from recent performances at home. The anxiety that had plagued the team was replaced by speed, intent, and accuracy.
Fulham arrived at the Emirates Stadium aiming for their highest-ever Premier League finish, but they were unable to respond to Arsenal’s revitalized energy. Manager Marco Silva revealed after the match that his squad had been dealing with a virus all week, which may have contributed to their lackluster performance against a rebounding Gunners offense.
Instead of a tense 90-minute ordeal for manager Mikel Arteta, Saka delivered in just 45. In his first start since the Carabao Cup Final due to an ongoing Achilles issue, the 24-year-old set up Gyökeres’ opener in the ninth minute, expertly evading Raúl Jiménez with a quick change of pace, and then scored a stunning goal in the 40th minute, skillfully guiding the ball past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno at his near post. By the time Gyökeres netted a header in stoppage time, Arteta had seen enough.
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Goal difference will likely play a role in the title race, with Arsenal currently holding a six-point lead and a four-goal advantage over City, who still have two games in hand. However, the immediate focus is on Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Atletico Madrid, leading to Saka being substituted at halftime for Noni Madueke.
It’s fair to say the first half showcased some of Arsenal’s best football this season.
“It was definitely one of our best displays, and there was a connection within the team that made me feel confident,” Mikel Arteta remarked post-match. “We had fresh legs from several players, which was evident, improving individual performances and allowing the team to flow differently.”
Perhaps April has become a month they loathe—their win percentage tends to plummet during this time—but on May 2, they scored three goals in a match for the first time since February. Only Bournemouth against Chelsea in December and Manchester City against Leeds in November had higher non-penalty expected goals during the first half of a Premier League game than Arsenal’s 2.39 in this match. With a final third pass accuracy of 87%, Arsenal recorded their best first-half performance in that stat this season, along with a 70% completion rate on long passes, marking their second-best showing (according to ESPN Global Soccer Research).
Thirty progressive passes slightly exceeded their average, but the overall synergy suggested that the Gunners had rediscovered the fluidity they’ve been striving for all season.
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According to ESPN FC’s Shaka Hislop, Arsenal now stands as the clear favorite to win the Premier League title following their decisive 3-0 victory over Fulham.
Previously, ESPN reported that Arsenal’s strategy with Gyokeres involved transitioning to a more direct playing style. However, injuries and inconsistent performances had led to underwhelming displays and an over-reliance on set-pieces. Saturday’s match represented a near-complete transformation, which explains why Gyökeres suddenly thrived.
The Swedish forward nearly completed a hat trick when he was set up by Leandro Trossard just before he and Declan Rice were subbed off, with Tuesday’s match in mind. The second half unfolded comfortably for Arsenal, allowing their fans to enjoy the evening rather than endure anxious moments.
Arsenal has historically struggled in similar situations, having won only one league match in between Champions League knockout rounds, a 2-0 victory against Everton last March, which required late goals in the 89th and 90th minutes.
Arteta made bold decisions, which often define a manager’s tenure, and they paid off handsomely. Myles Lewis-Skelly shone in central midfield during his first start of the season, crucial for winning the midfield battle and swiftly distributing the ball to ignite Arsenal’s attack.
With five changes—a season high for Arsenal in a league match—Arteta’s decision to prioritize energy over continuity proved fruitful. A lingering disappointment was not capitalizing further on their goal difference in the second half, as Calafiori’s late header struck Leno and hit the crossbar.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faces mounting pressure. Arsenal still has tasks ahead both domestically and in Europe, but with Saka’s return and performance, optimism remains high.
Research from ESPN Global Soccer indicates that Arsenal’s expected goals, progressive passes, successful dribbles, and chance creation are all higher when Saka is on the pitch. Although his season has been marred by injuries, his importance to the team is evident: their win percentage improves from 50% to 74% when he starts.
“[Saka] definitely made an impact,” Arteta commented. “He executed two crucial plays that determined the outcome, and we’re fully aware of his potential.
“He’s come back at such a vital time in the season, and now with a fresh mindset and unparalleled hunger, he needed a performance like that to impact the team significantly. This sets a solid foundation for Tuesday.”
With the season reaching its climax, every moment counts. If today is any indication, it seems the Gunners are prepared to surge across the finish line instead of stumbling toward it.