Arsenal

Highlights and analysis from nine midweek Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 2-1 Fulham

• Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man Utd

• Liverpool 1-0 Everton

• Newcastle 2-1 Brentford

Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta met with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams' agent in recent days to discuss a summer move for the 22-year-old Spain international. (Guardian), external

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are interested in Algeria striker Mohamed Amoura, 24, who is currently on loan at Wolfsburg from Union St-Gilloise. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has thanked fans for their support after his injury return on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old made his first appearance since December when he came on as a substitute in the Gunners' win 2-1 over Fulham at the Emirates.

Saka received a rousing reception from supporters when he entered the pitch and showed just what the side had been missing by scoring seven minutes later - going to thank backroom staff who helped him during his recovery after he celebrated.

The England international posted on social media, external on Wednesday to show his gratitude and said: "I have to acknowledge and thank you all for the energy and love you showed me last night.

"I've never seen or felt anything like what I felt at the Emirates last night.

"I will never forget that. Truly grateful!"

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

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Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly has insisted the Gunners will not fear Real Madrid when they face the Spanish giants in the Champions League.

The north London club are getting ready to take on the 15-time winners in the first leg of the quarter-final on Tuesday.

"Real Madrid are a great team and they have the most victories in the Champions League. We respect them, but we don't fear any team.

"We have just got to stay together. If we control everything we can control, I am sure we will be fine," said 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly.

Mikel Areta's squad have been hit by injuries this season, with defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber going off with problems during the 2-1 victory over Fulham.

However, Arsenal do have their talisman Bukayo Saka back just in time, and Lewis-Skelly added: "He helps us a lot. He has a presence about him, he knows what he is doing and he has belief in himself.

"When he has the ball at his feet he creates magic."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Mikel Arteta will not believe his bad luck.

In the same game as key player Bukayo Saka scored on his long-awaited return from injury, the Arsenal manager lost another in centre-back Gabriel before their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next week.

The defender limped off in the first half of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Fulham with a hamstring injury. To add to Arteta's defensive worries, Jurrien Timber also had to be withdrawn against Fulham with a knee problem, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were ruled out of the game with knee trouble.

Gabriel has been one of the Gunners' best performers in a challenging season and team-mate Declan Rice acknowledged his value to their Champions League chances.

"I don't know what's happened. I hope he's OK because he's been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions," said Rice.

Arsenal's chances of winning suffer when Gabriel is out of the team. The team's win percentage is 63.50% from the 159 games he has played since his Premier League debut compared to 40.90% in the 22 games he has missed in the league during that time.

Read my full article here

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We asked for your views on Arsenal's win against Fulham in the Premier League.

Here are some of your comments:

Denis: Deserved win. Glimpses of 2022-23 season with Gabriel Martinelli proactively creating chances and a great assist to put Bukayo Saka on the scoresheet. Shaky defence in the final 10 minutes. This week's matches are crucial to set up a good team against Real Madrid, who just got themselves into a cup final. Injuries do not help. Mikel Arteta has a lot to think about.

Hamza: Good result and some decent performances but shocking how Jurrien Timber wasn't subbed at half-time. Just unnecessary and poor management especially as we have Real Madrid next week.

Bob: As good a full-back as Myles Lewis-Skelly is, this is not for the first time he's lost who he was supposed to be marking. Good to see Gabriel Martinelli back to his old self. I made him player of the match.

Michael: More injures, which may not be serious, but it has been said that Arsenal now have four injured defenders. Well, don't forget Takehiro Tomiyasu who has barely played a game this season. I really rate him, and that makes FIVE injured defenders!

Ken: Unfortunately there is no chance for even a draw in one of the two games against Real Madrid, especially after the latest injuries. So, Arsenal's season is over, the rest of the Premier League games are for maintaining their top-four place for next season in Champions League.

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Former Brighton striker Glen Murray says returning star Bukayo Saka brings "something special" to Arsenal after he scored seven minutes into his first appearance since December.

The Gunners beat Fulham 2-1 to maintain their slim hopes of the title.

"Arsenal did enough in the first half," Murray told the Football Daily podcast.

"They were fortunate to break the deadlock with [Mikel] Merino's deflected goal that nestled into the side-netting of Bernd Leno's goal.

"In the second half, the tempo went up a little bit in the stadium. The introduction of Saka bought a bit more quality and obviously it was written in the stars that he would be the one to score and put them 2-0 up.

"We think he came through unscathed, which is massive after he's been out for so long. He just brings a different energy to the team - a different dimension - and he makes the players around him better.

"He makes Arsenal tick. Every time he gets the ball there is an anticipation around the stadium. He knows where to be and what to do. He brings something special to Arsenal. He's one of their own and the reception he got when he came on was really special.

"For the last two minutes it was a little bit nervy. Arsenal though saw it out. They did enough and it keeps the title race alive."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Wednesday's back pages focus on Arsenal moving within nine points of league leaders Liverpool after a 2-1 home win over Fulham.

The Telegraph focus on Bukayo Saka's returning from injury with a 'bang', scoring the game's decisive goal seven minutes into his first appearance since December.

The Mirror make the case that the Gunners have kept their title dreams alive and will not give up the fight despite Liverpool's big lead.

They opt for a big picture of midfielder Mikel Merino who scored his fifth goal in eight games while operating as a makeshift striker.

Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the 25-year-old set to leave Juventus this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport- in Italian), external

The Gunners, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs interested in Roma's 25-year-old Ivory Coast defender Evan Ndicka, who is rated at 40m euros (£33.4m). (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports about goalscorer Bukayo Saka: "Good opportunity to see how much people love him and missed him.

"When you are away it's good to understand who you are as a person and the reception was magnificent. He lifted the stadium, he deserved it and he deserved it because he does things every day. Good example.

"It was for the team who helped him during the rehab. It was a good moment. It's about energy and when the stadium is behind the team and showing support and encouragement it lifts the whole place. Exactly what we need.

"We deserved to win the game. We were dominant but it's true we conceded the goal because we didn't defend the box well enough. When you concede a goal two minutes to go in the Premier League you hang in there for the rest.

"We expected this [from Fulham], well coached, difficult to get through. Have to be patient and aggressive, our front line was and [Gabriel] Martinelli had a good game.

"We are strong as a team, the culture is strong, the willingness to adapt and go for it is also there."

On Gabriel: "We are worried because he never wants to come off. He's not sure about how big it is and what it is exactly.

On if it was a hamstring injury: "He felt something there yes."

On whether he is a doubt for Real Madrid: "It depends, the way he is normally, difficult but lets see."

On Jurrien Timber injury: "He was struggling earlier and yesterday he wasn't at his best but we lost Ben [White] as well so he did a big effort to try and play."

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, speaking to Sky Sports about Bukayo Saka: "The reception speaks for itself. 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. [Gabriel] Martinelli - unbelievable tonight, real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo's goal. With Bukayo back it's a real boost."

On the overall game: "Tough. Most teams play back fives here now and it's down to us to break that down. Tough when they come to the edge of the box. You have to be mindful. It was comfortable but probably the last 10-15 minutes we were a bit naive and they could've scored two or three."

On Gabriel injury: "I don't know what's happened, I hope he's OK because he's been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions."

On Liverpool and league title: "We know we're behind them in the league. We can only control what we can do and that's to win our eight games. We've slipped up one too many times this season, we will keep hunting them down and keep putting pressure on them that's all we can do."

Image source, Getty Images

Bukayo Saka's 68th goal for Arsenal in all competitions was his first as a substitute, coming six minutes and 36 seconds after coming on.

Meanwhile, Mikel Merino netted his sixth Premier League goal for the Gunners this season - his most in a single campaign in his league career.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Fulham's display?

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies

Three matches make up Tuesday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Arsenal v Fulham

• Wolves v West Ham

• Nottingham Forest v Manchester United (20:00 GMT) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 19:45 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

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With Premier League football returning for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has a tricky job on his hands balancing the run-in with Champions League ambitions.

On Monday, Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka, who has not played for Arsenal since before Christmas, is fit to return to face Fulham. The immediate reaction from fans has been first excitement and relief. Saka has been an enormous miss for the Gunners for the past few months. He will surely receive a rapturous welcome back should he play.

However, the majority of fans will still have one eye on the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. This is one of the biggest games in Arsenal's recent history, and the type of match-up fans have been craving.

There are two games before that: Fulham and then the trip to Goodison Park on Saturday. Sure, seeing Saka back will be great, but there is a sense the more important fixture is still a week away.

This is a delicate situation. While chasing down Liverpool is unlikely, the last thing Arsenal need is to be dragged into a scrap for the top four. Arsenal are currently nine points above fourth-placed Chelsea, but will need their attention on the Champions League if they are to win any silverware this season.

The Premier League title might be all but lost, but Arsenal cannot afford to take their eye off these next few games entirely.

Saka is the player Arsenal need the most to overcome the Spanish champions. As such, fans will be urging Arteta to manage his return carefully and proceed with caution.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta anticipates a "big" summer of spending to take "the next step" in their hunt for silverware.

The Gunners' transfer business has been a topic of conversation for the past few campaigns, with particular emphasis on the absence of a number nine.

As things stand, the Gunners will finish as runners-up for the third consecutive Premier League season, though they are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Following the departure of sporting director Edu, Arteta will be working with his successor Andrea Berta to strengthen his squad in areas that have particularly suffered in the past few months as they try to "evolve the team".

"It's going to be a big one [summer] and we are very excited about it," said Arteta. "When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

"Every summer is big because it is an opportunity - and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.

"But it's a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team."

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Former Wolves striker and Arsenal academy product Jay Bothroyd says he does not want Bukayo Saka to "come back too soon", with the Gunners winger set to return from injury in Tuesday's visit of Fulham.

Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match news conference that Saka was "ready to go" and in contention to start for the first time since limping off against Crystal Palace on 21 December.

"Obviously there has been a lot of talk about Saka coming back but, if I'm honest, I'm going against the grain," Bothroyd told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"I don't really want to see Saka for a while because the hamstring can be a funny injury and it was a rupture - he did have it reattached.

"I don't want him to come back too soon. There is the big Real Madrid game coming up, which is more important. Maybe give him a few minutes but if Arteta is thinking about starting him then I'm not on the side of that.

"We need to protect Saka. He's been playing since such a young age week in, week out. It's caught up with him and that's why he's got that type of injury now.

"But, it's great that he could potentially be back soon."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds from 08:24

Arsenal's title hopes may only be faint but they have still got to try to exert a bit of pressure on Liverpool.

Win this, and they are nine points behind the leaders before Arne Slot's side play again. I want to see Liverpool pushed, and no other result will do.

It won't be easy for Arsenal, though - I was at the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in December, which finished 1-1, and that was a typical Fulham performance in that they were dangerous on the counter-attack.

They showed that day what a capable side they are, and they have several former Arsenal players in their squad who will want to prove a point again too.

Marco Silva's side had a disappointing defeat at home by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday, but they actually played really well in the first half of that game.

It's hard to know where some teams are at form wise, coming out of the international break, and if Arsenal are not at the races then Fulham are going to cause them more problems this time.

I actually think the Gunners will find a way to win this one, though.

Bukayo Saka's return after more than three months out will lift Emirates Stadium even if he starts the game on the bench and, if they need it, he will supply a spark whenever he gets on the pitch.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say

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Arsenal have never lost in 31 home league games against Fulham, winning 24 and drawing seven. It is the most home games one side has played against another without losing in English Football League history.

However, Fulham are unbeaten in their past three league games against Arsenal (W1 D2) and only once have they had a longer run without defeat against the Gunners (four between May 2011 and November 2012).

Arsenal have won all seven of their Premier League games on 1 April by an aggregate score of 25-3. No team has a better 100% win record on a specific date in the competition's history.

Manchester City will try to sign Arsenal's William Saliba this summer, with the defender also a target for Real Madrid. (Defensa Central - in Spanish), external

Arsenal are considering 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt and France Under-21 striker Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to Newcastle United and Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25. (Mirror), external

Bukayo Saka will enter new contract talks, with the Gunners' new sporting director Andrea Berta keen for the forward to sign a long-term deal. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport