Premier League: Gyökeres, Saka Help Arsenal Move 6 Points Clear

Viktor Gyökeres scored twice as Arsenal delivered an emphatic Premier League title warning to Manchester City with a dominant 3-0 victory against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.*

Bukayo Saka, making his first start since Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat to City on 22nd March, was the architect. He provided the assist for Gyökeres’ ninth-minute opener before then doubling his side’s advantage with five minutes remaining in the first half.

Gyökeres increased Arsenal’s tally to three before the interval when he headed home Leandro Trossard’s cross in first-half stoppage time.

The Gunners now lead City by six points, with a goal difference four better, having played two matches more.

Pep Guardiola’s side face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and then Brentford at home before Arsenal’s next league outing against relegation-threatened West Ham, a week on Sunday.

Arsenal have appeared a bundle of nerves at the Emirates for much of the calendar year as they chase their first league title in 22 years. However, here the shackles were off as Mikel Arteta’s men delivered possibly their best first-half performance of the season, breathing fresh impetus into their stuttering championship chase.

Saka has been sorely missed with an Achilles injury, and after two substitute appearances, the England international was unleashed from the start. His impact was felt within the opening nine minutes.

Arsenal’s short free-kick initially seemed to be going nowhere, but after receiving the ball from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Saka cut back onto his left foot, leaving Raúl Jiménez on the Emirates turf. Jiménez’s sudden departure from the play allowed Saka to deliver a precise pass across the six-yard box, leaving Gyökeres with a simple tap-in.

With Arsenal’s second leg against Atletico in mind for Tuesday, Saka was replaced at the interval. Gyökeres might have had his hat-trick on the hour mark, only for Leno to stand firm.

Gyökeres was soon withdrawn, as was Declan Rice – a luxury Arteta may not have foreseen before kick-off.

David Raya saved well from Timothy Castagne, and one-time Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe rattled the side netting. Calafiori’s header from Madueke’s corner then crashed off the crossbar.

There would be no fourth for the hosts, but with just three games left – against West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace – Arsenal have renewed hope of winning their first title since 2004. The onus is now on City to see how long they remain in contention.