Arsenal vs Fulham LIVE: Reaction as Saka scores the winner on his return for the Gunners
Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League on Tuesday as Mikel Arteta’s side kept up the pressure on league leaders Liverpool.
The hosts dominated the opening exchanges in a pedestrian first half, 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 Bukayo Saka – fresh from his return from injury – 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.
Follow all the updates from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
It was more tense than it should have been late on, and Arsenal maybe rode their luck at times tonight overall, but in reality it was a good home performance from the Gunners.
They certainly deserved the three points, dominating much of the game and limiting Fulham to fortunate chances throughout.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
The referee blows the final whistle and it was a little more nervy than expected, but Arsenal take the three points!
Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
90 +6 mins
Time for an equaliser? Fulham sweep forward and Muniz’s cross is deflected behind…
It’s headed wide from the corner.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
90 +4 mins
GOAL! Is there still time?
It’s simple stuff for the visitors, as Sessegnon picks the ball up on the wing and makes his way into the box before cutting it back to Muniz, whose shot deflects off Saliba and nestles in the bottom corner!
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
90 +3 mins
That would’ve been some goal. Rice hits a volley after the corner is headed out his way, but it’s well over despite a great connection.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
90 +1 mins
There’ll be six minutes of added time here as the stadium begins to empty. Home fans seem confident that they’ve secured the three points here.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Another chance for Fulham as Sessegnon heads Robinson’s cross straight at Raya.
Moments later, Martinelli thinks he’s got his side’s third goal after a lovely pass from Merino, but he’d strayed offside.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
He’s been brilliant all night but Martinelli wastes a chance here, having put himself through with a great first touch.
Saka was free on the opposite side and would’ve tapped in with a squared pass, but the Brazilian’s second touch was far too heavy.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
It’s pretty comfortable for the hosts now despite that Muniz miss – you do get the feeling Fulham have wasted their chances for the evening.
Raya collects a cross and Arsenal are just trying to nullify the visitors at the moment.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
CLOSE! How has he missed?!
It’s a golden chance for the visitors.
Iwobi picks the ball up in midfield and makes his way into the box unchallenged, with Partey hesitating before the Nigerian winger puts a perfect cross in to an unmarked Muniz.
The striker is about five yards out but he puts his header wide of the target!
