Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Saka scores in Arsenal win after 3-month layoff

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Tuesday, 01 April 2025 15:14

Bukayo Saka made a sensational return for Arsenal on Tuesday, scoring in a 2-1 win over Fulham after a three-month spell on the sidelines.

Saka, 23, hadn't featured for Arsenal since injuring his hamstring at Crystal Palace just before Christmas, with the England star forced into surgery and a rehabilitation program.

But he came off the bench in the 66th minute to a raucous ovation from the Emirates crowd and then netted Arsenal's second goal of the night with a cushioned header at the back post after a neat flick on from Gabriel Martinelli.

"The reception speaks for itself," Saka's teammate Declan Rice said after the game. "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.

"He gives us an outlet. All of our front players are so different and rotate so well. With Bukayo back it's a real boost."

The second-place Gunners were all over Fulham in the opening half and finally took the lead in the 37th minute with a strike from Mikel Merino.

Fulham cut into their deficit in second-half stoppage time, but Arsenal saw out the result to provisionally cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the table to nine points.

Liverpool can restore their 12-point lead when they host Everton on Wednesday in the Merseyside derby.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta talked up Saka's comeback in the prematch news conference and named him on the substitutes' bench for the visit of Fulham in the teams' 30th Premier League match of the campaign.

"A beautiful moment to see how much our people love, respect and admire Bukayo," Arteta said after the win. "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.

"He lifts the stadium, the energy, and it's great to have him back."

Saka was on a bench that included Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard, with Ethan Nwaneri and Martinelli selected as the starting wingers.

The loss sees Fulham stay in eighth place, but they can be passed by both Aston Villa and Bournemouth if either team should win its game on Wednesday.

Read 17 times

Soccer

Why the Manchester derby lost its cachet, and how it might be coming back around

Why the Manchester derby lost its cachet, and how it might be coming back around

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIt's 13 years ago this month that the Manchester derby decided the...

USSF chief backs 48-team Women's WC in 2031

USSF chief backs 48-team Women's WC in 2031

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the federation would...

NWSL eyes expansion: Can be 'size of the NFL'

NWSL eyes expansion: Can be 'size of the NFL'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- National Women's Soccer League commissioner Jessica...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

SGA reaches 20 pts. in 70th straight, passing MJ

SGA reaches 20 pts. in 70th straight, passing MJ

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHOUSTON -- Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached 20 point...

'A big deal': Pistons climb from worst to playoffs

'A big deal': Pistons climb from worst to playoffs

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- One year after finishing with the worst record in the NB...

Baseball

Ailing Reds snap 35-inning scoreless streak, lose

Ailing Reds snap 35-inning scoreless streak, lose

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMILWAUKEE -- The Cincinnati Reds ended a 35-inning scoreless streak...

Phils' Harper: Loser talk to whine about Dodgers

Phils' Harper: Loser talk to whine about Dodgers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHILADELPHIA -- Phillies slugger Bryce Harper loves L.A. -- well, a...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: info@idig.com

Affiliated