The Emirates crowd only got louder for Bukayo Saka as the night went on. First, his name was read among the substitutes; then he warmed up; then he stepped onto the pitch with 24 minutes left; and finally, he made it all count, scoring just seven minutes after coming on.
It had been more than three months since Saka last played for Arsenal, his hamstring injury and surgery meticulously planned to ensure a smooth return. But even with all the preparation, no one could have predicted such a perfect comeback. Arsenal were already in control against Fulham, but Saka’s goal put the result beyond doubt in a dominant performance following the international break. Rodrigo Muniz’s stoppage-time strike gave the visitors a late consolation, but Arsenal’s 2-1 victory was never truly in question.