Riccardo Calafiori believes Arsenal sent Manchester City a “clear message” with their 3-0 Premier League win over Fulham.
Mikel Arteta’s side moved six points clear at the top of the table after a dominant first-half performance at the Emirates Stadium. Viktor Gyokeres scored twice, either side of Bukayo Saka’s goal, as Arsenal put pressure back on City before their fixture against Everton.
Calafiori returned to the starting XI against Fulham and thought he had scored during the first half, only for his header to be ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Even so, the Italy international played his part in another clean sheet and a result that strengthened Arsenal’s position heading into a defining week.
Speaking after the game, Calafiori said Arsenal’s performance carried significance beyond the three points.
“It was a clear message,” Calafiori said. “The crowd was good, the atmosphere was unbelievable. It was a huge moment, good for confidence and when we do things well, there’s not many teams that can beat us.”
That confidence will matter quickly. Arsenal’s attention now turns to Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, with the tie level after a 1-1 draw in Spain.
The Fulham win allowed Arteta to manage some minutes after the break, with Saka withdrawn at half-time and Declan Rice and Gyokeres also taken off during the second half. Arsenal had already done enough damage before the interval, giving them a strong platform before one of the biggest European nights of Arteta’s tenure.
Calafiori made clear, however, that Arsenal cannot allow the result to shift their focus too far ahead.
“But we have to take it step-by-step because on Tuesday we have a massive game and we are focusing on this game, too,” he said. “We are fighting for everything at this moment. It is the most important part of the season and we have to be ready.”
Saka’s display was another major positive for Arsenal. The winger, who has been managing an Achilles issue, created Gyokeres’ opener before scoring the second himself. He was replaced at half-time as Arteta continued to build his workload carefully before Atletico.
Calafiori praised Saka’s impact and backed him to play a major role in the final weeks of the season.
“You saw what he did against Fulham,” Calafiori said. “He still needs to find his form back again, but he’s an unbelievable player and we want everyone available.
“He’s one of our best players and he’s going to help us a lot. I’m pretty confident of that.”
For Arsenal, Fulham brought the ideal combination: three goals, a clean sheet, managed minutes and a statement result in the title race. City still have games in hand, but Calafiori’s message was clear. Arsenal believe they are ready for the final push.