ARSENAL stormed six points clear at the top of the Premier League to “keep their dream alive” with a dominant win over London rivals Fulham.
The and boosted their goal difference thanks to a double and a goal from .
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal ‘kept the dream alive’ after their 3-0 hammering of Fulham Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres looked back to their best at the Emirates Credit: Getty
That three-goal first-half blitz sent a message to title rivals , who travel to on Monday.
boss said: “[This result] says to us and to our dressing room that we kept the dream alive.
“It says what these guys have done throughout the season to win that many games in the circumstances that we had to do it without so many players available at times is remarkable.”
Arteta was full of praise for goalscorer Saka, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the final.
He added: “He certainly made the difference. He made two actions that obviously decided the game and we know what he’s capable of.
“He’s coming 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 level.”
The Gunners are still fighting for two major prizes in the final weeks of the season, and have no time to celebrate ahead of another huge clash.
Arsenal host on Tuesday night in their semi-final second leg.
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Gyokeres, who took his tally to 21 for the season, said that he and his teammates are full of belief that they will lift some silverware this season.
The Swedish striker said: “At this stage, we have to win the games that are left. We showed a good performance and are happy to have got the three points.
“I think we always go into games believing we’re going to play well and create a lot of chances. Today we did that and we enjoyed it.
“We never stopped believing. We’re not going to. That’s how it is and we keep going. We just need to focus on the next game.
“It’s been good. We’ve had some good results. We’re on a good path, but we have to stay there and keep going like this.”
manager revealed his team suffered a sickness bug before the match which, coupled with injury issues, that meant the visitors couldn’t compete with Arsenal.
The Cottagers boss said: “We wanted to be a bit more aggressive in our press and match their intensity. It was not possible. Overall in the first-half, we were not at our level.
“Of course, we’re going to be stronger if we have all players available. Unfortunately for us, we’re losing decisive players at a key time of the season.”
Arsenal ratings vs Fulham
ARSENAL stormed six points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a dominant 3-0 home victory over Fulham.
Here’s how the players rated…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Didn’t have to make a save until the 72nd minute, but kept it out when it did come.
A nice moment when he charged forward to deny Raul Jimenez a clear run through on goal.
BEN WHITE – 6
A surprise to see White starting, particularly at the same time as Riccardo Calafiori.
There were some bright moments of linkup with Saka down the right side, but things were a little less impressive in defence.
White struggled with the Fulham wingers at times and was often slow to release the ball under pressure – much to the Emirates crowd’s frustration.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Another top performance from Saliba, who rarely puts a foot wrong at the centre of the Arsenal defence.
This showing also saw him making storming runs with the ball at his feet, being a nuisance from set pieces and even looping dangerous crosses into the box.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
So physical and dominant in his duels, Gabriel was Arsenal’s enforcer umphteenth time this season.
Although Arsenal were largely dominating in the Fulham half, Gabriel was always on hand to stunt any kind of attack from the Cottagers.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 8
A first start for the Italian since mid-March,
Did brilliantly well to nod home a Leandro Trossard cross in the first-half, but was correctly deemed offside.
Came so close to finding the back of the net again when his header clattered the cross bar late in the game.
His galloping forward runs add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack alongside his defensive contributions.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Operating in the same deep role he did during Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, and thriving once again.
This performance also saw him take up some of the spaces Martin Odegaard normally occupies on the right side, combining with White and Saka.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8
Playing his first ever start in midfield for the first-team, and doing so in such a crucial moment of the season.
The teenager stepped into the roll brilliantly, too.
He was always looking to progress the ball up the pitch, and was breaking up play and picking up loose passes all over the place.
EBERECHI EZE – 7
Back in a central position after playing the last few games off the left flank.
He is always a threat on the edge of the box and his close control causing problems for opposition defenders.
A few better decisions in the final third and he could have had a goal or assist to show for his performance.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
Another unexpected starter, but another great performance.
Trossard was twisting, turning and causing havoc every time he got the ball.
His assist for Gyokeres’ second goal was superb, and he thought he had set the striker up for a third at the start of the second half.
BUKAYO SAKA – 9
A welcome return for Saka, who made his first start since the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March.
Quite literally sat Jimenez down to set up Viktor Gyokeres for the opener.
His finish for Arsenal’s second was sublime, and the Emirates crowd was clearly delighted to see him back in action.
Saka’s return could be exactly what Arsenal need to push them over the line for the run-in.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 9
Wednesday night’s performance against Atletico Madrid was one of Gyokeres’ best in an Arsenal shirt – this might have been even better.
His opener was exactly what Arsenal signed him to do, get into the box at the right time to put away chances that have gone begging in years gone by.
The Swede then did really well to hold up play and set up Saka for Arsenal’s second, genuinely brilliant centre-forward play.
Gyokeres flexed his aerial ability, too – nodding home a looping second with ease to put Arsenal 3-0 up at the break.
His double takes his tally to 21 for the season in all competitions.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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