Arsenal cruised to a commanding 3-0 triumph against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium this evening, extending their advantage at the Premier League summit to six points.
Mikel Arteta’s side seized the opportunity to heap pressure on title challengers Manchester City, who still have two matches in hand but face a trip to Goodison Park on Monday.
The Gunners delivered a clinical first-half display that effectively ended the contest before the interval, with Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres combining to devastating effect.
The Swedish forward netted twice to bring his campaign total to 21 goals, whilst Saka contributed both a goal and an assist on his return from injury.
Saka made his first start since March following an Achilles problem, and the England international wasted no time making an impact.
Just nine minutes into proceedings, the winger glided past Raul Jimenez on the right flank before delivering a precise ball for Gyokeres to convert from close range.
Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka were outstanding on Saturday night as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium
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The Swedish striker repaid the favour five minutes before half-time, threading a pass through to Saka.
The 24-year-old then produced a moment of quality, bending a low strike beyond Bernd Leno at the goalkeeper’s near post to double Arsenal’s advantage.
Viktor Gyokeres bagged a brace as Arsenal put Fulham to the sword
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Bukayo Saka captained Arsenal, scored and assisted in their win over Fulham
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Gyokeres completed his brace in first-half stoppage time, rising to head home a delivery from Leandro Trossard and seal all three points before the break.
The Gunners came close to adding a fourth goal when Riccardo Calafiori’s header struck the crossbar.
It proved a frustrating evening for the Italian defender, who had earlier found the net only to see his effort chalked off for offside.
Despite the comfortable margin of victory, Arsenal’s dominance was such that the match was effectively decided within 45 minutes, allowing Arteta to manage his squad with bigger challenges ahead.
Mikel Arteta cut a jubilant figure as Arsenal overcame Fulham
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Arteta had already implemented significant changes to his starting XI, making five alterations from the previous match with Tuesday’s European showdown clearly in mind.
The manager withdrew Saka at the interval, ensuring the winger’s comeback was carefully managed ahead of the crucial Champions League fixture.
Other key personnel were also given reduced minutes as attention turned firmly towards the visit of Atletico Madrid.
The semi-final second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday evening remains delicately balanced following a 1-1 draw in Spain.
Arsenal will be looking to reach the Champions League final when they host the Spanish side at 8pm.
