Arsenal went six points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Fulham at home to lay the gauntlet down to Manchester City who have two games in hand
Arsenal laid down the gauntlet to Manchester City by stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points with a 3-0 thrashing of Fulham.
The Gunners made a blistering start at the Emirates Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres converting from close quarters following an inviting cross from the side’s talisman Bukayo Saka. Riccardo Calafiori thought he had found the net again but watched his effort chalked off by VAR.
But Arsenal did secure a second goal to savour courtesy of England sensation Saka, who was fed by Gyokeres with a clever pass. The Swedish striker then registered a brace with a thunderous header before half-time. The victory sees Mikel Arteta’s title hopefuls increase their advantage over Pep Guardiola’s City, who have two games in hand and will be aiming to reduce that deficit when they face Everton away on Monday.
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A big call for Arteta saw him select academy product Miles Lewis-Skelly in the heart of midfield alongside Declan Rice, rather than Spanish veteran Martin Zubimendi. But it appeared as though the youngster had been operating in midfield throughout his entire career.
He disrupted play effectively, showed composure in possession and offered crucial protection ahead of the Arsenal backline. Given this was merely his fourth Premier League start of the campaign, Lewis-Skelly deserves credit for adapting so smoothly to an unfamiliar role.
Following his potentially pivotal penalty away against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, Gyokeres was at his best here. While the Swede capitalised on Fulham’s lapse defending, enormous praise must also go to Saka.
The Three Lions ace collected possession on the right, shaped to deliver with his left boot, before cutting inside his defender. Having reached the goal line, he rolled the ball back to the unmarked Gyokeres, who slotted home.
The former Sporting Lisbon striker was back in action once more before the interval with a crucial header as he powered home a delightful delivery from Leandro Trossard. Gyokeres has now reached 21 goals for the campaign across all competitions. Considering the flak that has come his way for some of his below-par outings since his £64m summer transfer, that’s quite a respectable tally.
Having been absent from Arsenal’s Premier League starting XI since mid-March, Saka has needed some time to rediscover his peak form. Yet he appeared back to his brilliant best in this encounter.
He gave Antonee Robinson a torrid time all evening, with his individual brilliance proving crucial to Gyokeres’ breakthrough goal. Saka then got on the scoresheet himself as he rifled past Bernd Leno at the near post.
This ended Saka’s 11-match streak without finding the net at the Emirates. Should he maintain this standard between now and the season’s conclusion, he could well propel Arsenal towards their first championship in 22 years.
The sole minor worry was witnessing Saka withdrawn for England team-mate Noni Madueke at half-time, though hopefully his departure was merely a precautionary measure ahead of the return fixture against Atletico.
With only three fixtures remaining, Arsenal now hold a big advantage in the title race. Should City suffer defeat against Everton on Monday, that means the Gunners realistically require just two additional victories to secure the title.
And having boosted their goal difference against Fulham, that constitutes another significant edge. Naturally, it’s nowhere near finished – City could well draw level on points once more should they overcome Everton and claim victory in their outstanding fixture.
But it’s reasonable to suggest that Arsenal have regained command of the title battle.