Bukayo Saka returned to Arsenal’s starting XI with a point to prove and it took less than 10 minutes for the English star to remind us exactly what was missing from the Premier League.
After being sidelined for more than a month with an Achilles injury, Saka’s performance in the 3-0 win against Fulham was a masterclass in wing play, with his sensational assist for Victor Gokeres, who had his best game in an Arsenal shirt.
While television cameras captured the brilliance of the goal, fan footage circulating on social media provided breathtaking angles of the build-up.
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Bukayo Saka’s assist from the stands
The video, taken from the North Stand, shows Saka isolated on the right flank, with Raul Jimenez in the unfamiliar role of left-back.
The footage captures the moment Saka goes completely wrong-footed with Jimenez’s characteristic shoulder drop, dropping the Fulham striker on his back before exploding towards the goal line.
The roar of the Emirates crowd could then be heard as Saka delivered a perfect cross across a sea of white shirts, putting the ball on the plate and Joe Keles smashing it into the empty net.
Fan footage showed Saka’s outstanding speed and skill, as well as a perfectly weighted pass that bypassed three Fulham defenders and found the Swedish striker.
Bukayo Saka’s performance against Fulham
Despite withdrawing at half-time to rest ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, Saka’s influence is undeniable.
In just 45 minutes of football, he dismantled Fulham’s left flank and reminded fans why he continues to be at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s attacking system.
| status | output |
|---|---|
| touch | 39 |
| An opportunity has arisen | 4 |
| Gaining possession | 4 |
| touch in the box | 4 |
| shot | 2 |
| Number of shots on target | 1 |
| the goal | 1 |
| assist | 1 |
Bukayo Saka – 45 minute masterclass vs Fulham (via Squawka Football)
Saka’s goal in the 40th minute was equally impressive, playing a superb one-two with Gokeres before firing low into Bernd Leno’s near post.
Arteta sent him off in the 46th minute with one eye on the side for the Champions League game in midweek.
Arsenal currently sit six points clear at the top of the table, Saka is back to his brilliant best and the Gunners look set for a final push into the 2025/26 campaign.
