Bukayo Saka makes scoring return as Arsenal beat Fulham but lose Gabriel to hamstring injury

Bukayo Saka marked his return to competitive action with a goal as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham, closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points.

Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead in the first half when makeshift forward Mikel Merino fired home via a deflection after being picked out by Ethan Nwaneri.

The goal provided a much-needed boost for The Gunners, who had earlier suffered a setback with Gabriel limping off due to a hamstring injury — just a week before their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta promised Saka was "ready to go" in his pre-match press conference, and the England international wasted no time proving him right.

Introduced as a second-half substitute, he needed just seven minutes to make an impact, heading home unmarked at the far post from Merino’s cross.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for Fulham in stoppage time, setting up a nervy finale, but Arsenal held firm to secure the win.

The result, at least temporarily, narrows the gap on Liverpool, who host Everton in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.

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Arsenal have cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points, but the loss of Gabriel just a week before their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid is a significant blow.

The Brazilian defender looks likely to miss the home match next Tuesday due to a hamstring injury — and there will surely be fears around the second leg as well.

However, Bukayo Saka’s scoring return reminded The Gunners of what they’ve been missing since his last appearance in December. His presence will undoubtedly lift the entire club.

Andersen heads wide from a Fulham cross.

And Arsenal almost have the points in the bag...

Muniz gives The Cottagers hope with just two minutes remaining.

His deflection off Saliba wrongfoots Raya and the Arsenal goalkeeper can only watch as the ball nestles in the back of the net.

Odegaard slips through Martinelli for a cool finish - but the Brazilian is clearly offside.

Another half chance for Fulham as Sessegnon heads into the arms of Raya.

Castagne's cross is deflected into the arms of Raya as Fulham threaten down the right flank.

Fulham are still pushing and a late goal would certainly make things edgy for Arsenal.

Iwobi picks out Muniz with an inch-perfect cross but from just four yards out the Brazilian cushions a header wide!

Arsenal are not going to take a risk with Timber - he's replaced by Trossard with 12 minutes remaining.

Fulham also make a change as Muniz comes on for Jimenez.

Saka makes it a perfect return!

Merino's cross is flicked on and Saka nods the ball into an empty net at the far post.

Rice tugs on the shirt of Iwobi and is the first Arsenal player to be cautioned tonight.

Saka picks out Partey, whose header back across the face of goal is hacked clear by Fulham.

Iwobi, Willian and Pereira come on for Fulham.

They replace Smith Rowe, Lukic and Traore.

Arsenal's fan favourite returns to the pitch for the first time since December as he replaces Nwaneri.

The Cottagers launch a rapid counter-attack as Traore closes in on goal but drags his shot well wide of goal.

He had a team-mate free at the back post but opted to shoot instead...

Castagne will have nightmares about Martinelli tonight.

The Fulham defender is nutmegged and subsequently loses his feet, going to ground.