Bukayo Saka just scored 1 goal and 1 assist on the day Arsenal defeated Fulham with a score of 3-0, temporarily putting 6 points ahead of Man City in the championship race.
In his first start since March, Saka scored a very decisive goal against "Gunners'" old player Bernd Leno. That was his first goal at the Emirates since December 2025, ending a 11-match winless streak at home.
Saka is really very different, he created 2 decisive moments of the match. We know what Saka is capable of and it's great to see him return to his best form in the sprint race.
Saka has a desire to fight at the highest level and he needs such a performance to boost the morale of the whole team" - Mikel Arteta shared after the match.
Saka's goal has given Arsenal what they have been in need of recently, which is comfort. This is the first time The Gunners have taken a 2-goal lead in a match since the match against Bayer Leverkusen on March 17 in the UEFA Champions League. In the next 8 matches, their best achievement is only a 1-goal lead.
On a day when he was in the starting lineup and clearly aware of the importance of the Derby match with Fulham, Saka did not miss any opportunities. Facing former teammate Emile Smith-Rowe was not a problem. There was no leniency and the result returned was very worthy of the 24-year-old striker's efforts.
Mikel Arteta admires his student's will because Saka's season has been heavily damaged by injuries. The English striker has struggled with an Achilles tendon injury, but Arteta said the problem seems to have been resolved.
I think the pain has disappeared. That is always what limits his ability to perform some signature shots. Today Saka feels comfortable, relaxed, and we have seen the most perfect version of this guy again" - Arteta shared.
Although his student is very energetic and wants to score more goals against Fulham, Arteta understands how important the upcoming match with Atletico Madrid is. He has withdrawn the English star to replace him with Noni Madueke. Witnessing Saka playing so well and being able to conserve energy, hope for a Champions League final ticket is brighter than ever for "Gunners" fans.
Efforts to aim for a magical season with Arsenal are still intact. In the short but extremely important journey from now until the end of the season, Arteta really needs people like Saka with the highest form.
