Arsenal needed a "lightning bolt" to revive the attack in the context of increasing pressure to convert points into titles, and Bukayo Saka responded to that call in the match against Fulham.
The smooth coordination between Saka and Viktor Gyokeres was the key factor leading to the 3-0 victory, while breaking the deadlock that lasted for weeks, even months at home. Worry and caution were replaced by speed, determination and accuracy.
Fulham, the team traveling to the Emirates stadium with ambitions to achieve the highest ranking in Premier League history, could not resist Arsenal's explosion. Coach Marco Silva said his team was affected by the virus throughout the week, partly explaining the poor performance.
The match seemed to become another tense challenge for coach Mikel Arteta and his students, but Saka decided the situation in the first half. In his first start since the Carabao Cup final due to an Achilles tendon injury, the 24-year-old player assisted Gyokeres to open the score in the 9th minute with an acceleration to eliminate Raul Jimenez. In the 40th minute, he scored himself with a dangerous shot into the near corner, defeating Bernd Leno. Before the first half ended, Gyokeres completed a double with a header, helping Arsenal lead 3-0.
Goal difference can play an important role in the championship race, as Arsenal are temporarily leading Manchester City in both points and goal difference, even though the opponent still has 2 matches to play. However, the greater priority is the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid in the middle of the week. Therefore, Saka was substituted off right after the first half to preserve his fitness.
The first half can be considered one of Arsenal's most impressive performances this season. "It was definitely one of the best matches. The whole team has a clear cohesion, and that creates results. Some players have regained their best physical condition, helping to improve individual quality and lead to positive changes in the overall playing style" - Arteta shared.
After the familiar period of decline in April, Arsenal entered May with a different appearance. This is the first time since February that they scored 3 goals in a match. Professional indicators also clearly reflect the improvement: attacking efficiency, passing accuracy in the baseline area and ball deployment ability all reached high levels.
Although the total number of attacking passes is only slightly higher than the average, the cohesion in the playing style gives the feeling that Arsenal has regained the coherence that was lacking throughout the season.
Previously, the orientation to recruit Gyokeres was to help the team play more directly. However, injuries and erratic form have made this plan ineffective. The match against Fulham showed a clear change, when the Swedish striker became a highlight.
In the second half, the pace of the match slowed down as Arsenal actively conserved strength. Fans could enjoy a comfortable atmosphere instead of being tense to watch each ball.
Arteta also boldly rotated the squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed when playing central midfielder, contributing both in tackles and ball rotation. A total of five substitutions were made - Arsenal's most in the league this season - and all were effective.
However, the home team can still widen the gap if they take better advantage of the opportunity, typically Riccardo Calafiori's header hitting the crossbar. In the context that Man City is under a lot of pressure, Arsenal still has a long way to go in both competitions. However, Saka's return brings clear confidence. With him in the squad, The Gunners' attacking stats and winning rate have all improved significantly.
Saka makes a clear difference. He has the decisive moments of the match. He returns at the right time, with the best physical condition and spirit" - the Spanish captain emphasized.
In a season where every detail can decide the outcome, such a performance could become a turning point. For the first time in many months, Arsenal showed the image of a team ready to break through to the finish line, instead of struggling to reach the finish line.
