Arsenal went six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with Bukayo Saka playing a key part and Viktor Gyokeres scoring 21 goals this season, as they defeated Fulham handily at Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s men took advantage of the opportunity to put pressure on title rivals Manchester City, who have played two fewer games than Arsenal and are not in action until Monday when they go to Everton.
Arsenal took the lead in the ninth minute when Saka, making his first start since March after an Achilles injury, effortlessly outpaced Raul Jimenez down the right and set up Gyokeres to tap in from close range for his 20th goal of the season.
The Swedish striker then turned provider five minutes before the break, passing to Saka, who curled a brilliant low finish past Fulham keeper Bernd Leno at the near post.
Gyokeres then scored his second goal of the night, heading home Leandro Trossard’s cross to seal the three points in first-half stoppage time.
The Gunners almost scored a fourth when Riccardo Calafiori hit the crossbar after his previous goal was ruled out for offside.
After making five changes to his starting lineup, Arteta was allowed to replace Saka at halftime and rest other key players as the attention shifted to Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The game is tied at 1-1 for the return leg at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday (20:00 BST).
Fulham face Bournemouth at home in the Premier League on Saturday, May 9 (15:00 BST).
