Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have “the Bukayo that we need back” after Saka scored and captained the side in the 3-0 win over Fulham.
Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka is returning to his best at the perfect time for Arsenal after his decisive role in the 3-0 win over Fulham.
Saka captained Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and scored their second goal as Arteta’s side moved six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. The winger also played a key role in Viktor Gyokeres’ opener, delivering the low cross that allowed the striker to finish from close range.
It was an important afternoon for Saka, who has recently been managing an Achilles issue and was substituted at half-time as Arsenal kept one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta said Saka’s performance showed how important he remains to Arsenal at the sharp end of the season.
“He certainly made a difference,” Arteta said. “He made two actions that decided the game and we know what he's capable of.
“He's come back in the most important period of the season and now he's fresh, his mind is fresh, his hunger is at the highest possible height and I think he needed a performance like that to impact the team, so that's a big platform for Tuesday.”
Saka’s return to influence gives Arsenal a timely lift before one of the biggest matches of their season. The Champions League tie with Atletico is level after the 1-1 draw in Madrid, and Arteta will need his attacking players sharp if Arsenal are to reach the final.
That is why Saka’s early withdrawal against Fulham was significant. Arsenal had already built a commanding lead by half-time, allowing Arteta to protect him before the Atletico game.
“We had to,” Arteta said when asked about taking Saka off at the break. “He played 30-odd minutes in Madrid, now he's played 45 minutes. We need to ramp up his load but we need to be careful because we need him on that pitch.”
Arteta also suggested Saka is now playing with greater freedom after being restricted by pain in recent weeks.
“I think the pain is gone and that was obviously something that was restricting his capacity to deliver certain actions,” he said. “Today he felt loose, he felt relaxed and I think we had the Bukayo that we need back.”
For Arsenal, that may prove one of the most important developments from the Fulham win. The three points strengthened their title push, but Saka’s display also gave Arteta a clear attacking boost before Atletico arrive at the Emirates.
With the Premier League and Champions League both still in play, Arsenal need their biggest players available and decisive. Saka looked much closer to that level against Fulham, and Arteta will hope this performance is the platform for another defining night on Tuesday.