Bukayo Saka scored on his return from injury to help Arsenal secure a 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka ended his 101-day absence by coming on as a substitute shortly after the 60th minute and the England international played just seven minutes as he doubled Arsenal's lead.
Saka's goal, which followed Mikel Merino's first-half strike, was a significant contribution for Arsenal on a night when defender Gabriel left the pitch after 16 minutes with a hamstring problem.
Gabriel's injury casts doubt not only on his availability for Arsenal's Champions League opener against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium next week, but also on his participation in the rest of the season.
Rodrigo Muniz scored in the fourth minute of injury time but Arsenal held on to win, leaving them nine points behind Liverpool with a game more played. Liverpool will have the chance to restore their 12-point lead when they host Everton at Anfield on Wednesday.
Arsenal's title challenge has been hampered by injuries to key players and, just as Mikel Arteta welcomed the return of Saka (the England international received a standing ovation when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute), he will now be without key defender Gabriel against the 15-time European Cup winners.
Gabriel lunged backwards at top speed, falling to the turf and clutching his right hamstring. The Brazilian managed to move around a little, but headed straight for the tunnel with a pained expression on his face.
Gabriel has played a key role in Arsenal's defence in recent seasons but now looks set to miss next week's visit to Madrid.
He was replaced by Jakub Kiwir, and the Pole made his first league appearance since Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Fulham on December 8.
The loudest applause in a first half that produced little action went to Saka when he came off the bench to warm up, until Merino scored eight minutes from time.
Thomas Partey fed Nwaneri, who had earlier forced Bernd Leno into the only save of the game with a fine volley into the far post.
This time Nwaneri passed the ball to Merino, and the Spaniard's shot, which bounced off the foot of Jorge Cuenca, flew past the blind Leno.
Striker Merino's second goal in as many games – following his strike in the 1-0 win at Chelsea – gave the hosts the lead at half-time.
Seven minutes into the second half, David Raya made his first appearance, making a fine diving save from Raul Jimenez's shot, and Leno then saved Jurien Timbert's effort at the other end.
But all eyes were on the touchline when Arteta passed the ball back to Saka, who came on in the 66th minute to a deafening roar at the Emirates, making the evening even more memorable for the 23-year-old.
The impressive Gabriel Martinelli beat the Fulham defence before slotting the ball into the box for Merino. His cross was intercepted by Martinelli at the front post and Saka headed home unmarked in the 73rd minute.
Saka has been a vital player since tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace on December 21, but his return to the team gives Arsenal hope of a strong end to the season.
Muniz's stoppage-time strike rebounded off William S.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
