Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening. Mikel Arteta's side produced a scintillating display to regain control of the title race, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice and Bukayo Saka adding a third.
Gyokeres in Form
After his crucial strike in Madrid, Viktor Gyokeres picked up where he left off, opening the scoring early on. The Swedish striker tapped home from close range after brilliant work from Bukayo Saka, who cut the ball back from the byline. Gyokeres then doubled his tally before half-time with a powerful header from Leandro Trossard's cross. The striker now has 21 goals in all competitions this season, silencing critics with his prolific form.
Calafiori Frustrated
Arsenal thought they had added a second midway through the first half when Riccardo Calafiori headed home from a Trossard cross. However, VAR intervened and correctly ruled the goal out for offside. The Italian defender acknowledged the decision with a rueful smile, but the goal would have been a fine finish.
Sensational Saka
Bukayo Saka returned to his best after a spell on the sidelines, tormenting left-back Antonee Robinson throughout. His individual brilliance created Gyokeres' opener, and he then scored himself with a fierce drive past Bernd Leno at the near post. The goal ended an 11-game drought at the Emirates for the England winger. He was substituted at half-time as a precaution ahead of the Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Arteta Follows City Experiment
Mikel Arteta deployed academy graduate Miles Lewis-Skelly in central midfield alongside Declan Rice, a role reminiscent of Pep Guardiola's full-back-to-midfield conversions. The teenager impressed, breaking up play, showing composure on the ball, and providing a shield for the defence. It was only his fourth Premier League start, but he looked like a natural midfielder.
Arsenal in Control
With three games remaining, Arsenal hold a six-point lead over Manchester City. Should City lose to Everton on Monday, Arsenal would effectively need just two more wins to secure the title. Their goal difference also received a boost from this victory. While City could still draw level if they win their game in hand, Arsenal are firmly in the driving seat in the title race.
