Saka scores on return as Gunners beat Fulham | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka made a goal-scoring return to action for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, as the Gunners recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed Saka back into his match-day squad for the first time in over 100 days, but opted to start the winger on the bench with his side's forthcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid no doubt in mind.

Marco Silva's visitors actually made a bright start to the contest, but there was no way back for the Cottagers after Mikel Merino put the north Londoners ahead towards the end of the first-half.

Merino has been played in more forward areas since season-ending injuries to the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, and the Spaniard weighed in with his sixth Premier League goal of the season to break the deadlock - his shot deflecting home after a cross from Ethan Nwaneri.

After the break, Saka received a thunderous reception when he entered the fray, and on 73 minutes he doubled Arsenal's advantage with a header after timing his run into the box to perfection.

In truth, Arsenal were never in danger of dropping points, but they kissed goodbye to a clean sheet at the end of the contest when Rodrigo Muniz fired home a consolation for Fulham.

The win moved Arsenal to within nine points of runaway leaders Liverpool in the Premier League.

One sour note for the Gunners was a first-half injury to central defender Gabriel, who left the pitch limping after what looked to be a significant hamstring strain.

Arsenal take on Everton on Saturday in the top flight before they prepare to face reigning Champions League winners Real at home on Tuesday.