Bukayo Saka returns from lengthy absence to score winner for Arsenal
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Bukayo Saka took the field for Arsenal last night for the first time in over three months, marking his return by scoring the winning goal just seven minutes into his substitute appearance. Saka’s 73rd-minute goal gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead, eventually holding on to a 2-1 win following a late push from visitors Fulham.
The English winger replaced young attacking star Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute. Saka received a loud ovation from the fans when he stepped back onto the Emirates Stadium pitch. The roar for Saka was even louder seven minutes later when he found the back of the net to extend Arsenal’s lead. Makeshift forward Mikel Merino played a ball into the box while sliding at full stretch which was met by winger Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian flicked the cross on with the outside of his right foot, finding a wide-open Saka who headed it in at the back post.
"The reception speaks for itself," said Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after the win. "That's why he's one of the best wingers in the world because he attacks the box and sniffs the goal. You take them, he's in the right position at the right time and topped off a great night for him and for us.”
The 23-year-old scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season in his 17th appearance. The goal helped Arsenal collect all three points as they look to stay in the Premier League title race, now nine points behind league-leaders Liverpool.
This was Saka’s first game since December 21, 2024 against Crystal Palace. Saka exited in the 24th minute with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old star missed three months following surgery and a lengthy rehab process. After his goal on Tuesday evening, Saka ran to the bench and celebrated with the Arsenal medical team who got him back on the pitch as quickly as possible.
"A beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect, and admire Bukayo [Saka]," said Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta. "It's not a surprise to any of us and the best result is the reaction -- he goes and says thank you to the sports science guys.”
Without one of the club’s best players, Arsenal lost ground at the top of the Premier League title race, was knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Manchester United, and lost 4-0 on aggregate to Newcastle United in the English Carabao Cup Semifinals.
However, Saka’s timely return could spark the Gunners in the UEFA Champions League as they prepare to face Spanish giants Real Madrid over two legs in the Quarterfinals. The winger will look to add more offensive firepower to a team that scored nine goals across two games in the Champions League Round of 16. The two crucial matches will take place on Tuesday, April 8, and Wednesday, April 16.
Can Saka lead Arsenal to the Champions League Semifinals for the first time since the 2008-09 season?
