Arsenal crush Fulham 3-0, open six-point lead over Man City
Al Jazeera English
Arsenal beat Fulham 3-0 to open a six-point lead over Manchester City, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice and Bukayo Saka also on target.
Arsenal delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday, strengthening their hold on the Premier League top spot with a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. This marks a crucial step toward their first league title in 22 years.
Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a pass from Bukayo Saka. Saka then doubled the lead himself in the 40th minute, before Gyokeres made it 3-0 just before halftime. It was Arsenal's second consecutive league win.
The victory temporarily gives Arsenal a six-point cushion over Manchester City. However, Pep Guardiola's side still have two games in hand, starting with a Monday trip to Everton. If City win both, they will level on points with Arsenal, making goal difference the deciding factor. Arsenal's goal difference is +41 from 35 matches, while City's is +37 from 33.
Arsenal produced an attractive and effective attacking display, a stark contrast to their struggles in recent weeks. The return of Bukayo Saka after an Achilles injury was a highlight, as he shone from the start. Manager Mikel Arteta had called on his players to control their emotions in the tense title race, and this performance was a convincing response.
Arsenal now turn attention to their Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Man City must beat Everton on Monday or risk falling further behind in the three-horse race.