Back in January, Mikel Arteta passionately urged Arsenal fans to “jump in this boat, it’s going to be fun.”
Now, that journey seems to have reached a thrilling point, as supporters are allowing themselves to envision what might be possible.
The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium was charged with anticipation last night, but it soon transformed into exhilaration. The Gunners delivered a performance reminiscent of their record-breaking 2023-24 season, when they netted an astonishing 91 Premier League goals. That team focused less on opponents’ strategies and more on their own offensive prowess.
There was a small caveat, as Marco Silva mentioned that his Fulham squad had been affected by a virus.
Nevertheless, this should not overshadow Arsenal’s overwhelming dominance in the first half of the game.
Arsenal, led by Bukayo Saka, seemed to flick a switch in the first half as they blew Fulham away
Viktor Gyokeres showed his qualities with two goals before half-time on a huge evening for the Gunners
Viktor Gyokeres was a standout, scoring twice and building on the momentum from last week’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, where he won and converted a crucial penalty.
It was Bukayo Saka, though, the architect, showing his best form since suffering a hip injury in January, which was followed by an Achilles issue last month. For the opening goal, Saka twisted and turned to leave Antonee Robinson on the seat of his pants before setting up Gyokeres with the simplest of tap-ins. The roles were then reversed as the Swede then assisted Saka, playing a neat reverse pass which the winger struck past former Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno at his near post.
For those who questioned whether Saka would ever regain the speed and agility which propelled him to among the best wingers in world football, those worries were wide of the mark.
His injury woes are now fully behind him, and it is Saka who can play a defining role in getting Arsenal over the line for a first Premier League title in 22 years — the club’s longest drought since they were first crowned champions in the 1930s.
Those of a negative persuasion, could ask why it took until May for this bold approach to transpire.
The counter argument, of course, is that the Gunners are clicking into gear just at the right time.
There’s still plenty of football to be played. Three Premier League games, to be precise. Yet if the north London club play in this ruthless, free-flowing manner in these final weeks against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace, Manchester City will have to be perfect to deny them the title.
Momentum is now on their side, and that is so crucial in a title race run-in.
There was a feeling of hope and excitement at the Emirates which has been missing for some time as the nerves took over.
Those thoughts of apprehension, of the team’s fallibilities and how strong City are in these situations were soon blown away by the intensity of Arsenal’s performance. A corner may have now been turned. As Arteta himself said afterwards: ‘This was a critical game.’
Arteta also deserves credit for starting Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield for the first time.
The teenager wriggled past challenges and kept trying to play the ball forward into attacking areas and generally looked completely at ease in the middle of the park.
With Martin Zubimendi having looked tired of late, Lewis-Skelly is a solid option for these final weeks and should be utilised.
Mikel Arteta deserves credit for starting Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield for the first time
This wouldn’t be an Arsenal performance without its vulnerabilities, of course. In the second half, they could and should have widened the scoreline and boosted their goal difference, which may well come into play given the qualities of these two title rivals.
Leandro Trossard played Gyokeres through on 56 minutes, his shot going straight at Leno. Riccardo Calafiori struck the crossbar with a header off a Noni Madueke corner and Max Dowman dragged wide after a mazy run.
Still, the job was completed early, which allowed Saka to be withdrawn at half-time and Declan Rice joined him on the sidelines near the hour mark as Arteta preserved his assets for Tuesday’s second leg against Atletico.
Six points clear with three games to go. Arsenal are back in the driving seat and have their best attacker in Saka back. Now, it’s time to hold their nerve.
