Bukayo Saka scored just seven minutes into his return after 101 days out injured to help Arsenal beat Fulham at Emirates Stadium.
The England forward came off the bench in the second half, with the score at 1-0, and showed Arsenal what they have missed during his absence, heading in Gabriel Martinelli’s flick at the far post on 73 minutes.
Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead in the 37th minute when his shot was deflected into the corner after Ethan Nwaneri’s cut-back.
Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back for Fulham in stoppage time when his shot was deflected by William Saliba and wrong-footed goalkeeper David Raya.
The win moved Arsenal to within nine points of runaway leaders Liverpool.
It was a mixed night for the Gunners though who, despite the positive of having Saka back from his serious hamstring injury, lost centre-back Gabriel early in the first half, which is a worry for manager Mikel Arteta with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next week.
Fulham defended deep throughout the match but should have pulled one back much earlier when substitute Muniz headed wide from six yards out with the goal gaping.
Arsenal take on Everton on Saturday in the Premier League before preparing for the first leg of their quarter-final against Real at home on Tuesday
