Mikel Arteta was buzzing to see Bukayo Saka in his 18 after three months away from the pitches of the Premier League, and he'll love that Saka quickly marked his return with a 73rd-minute goal.

This was Bukayo Saka’s moment. Out for 101 days with a hamstring injury, Arsenal supporters crammed into the Emirates with the anticipation of seeing him for the first time this year. They were not disappointed.

A night built around Bukayo Saka ’s long-awaited return from injury, Arsenal ’s superstar winger marked his comeback with a goal as the Gunners ran out 2-1 winners over Fulham. A win that nibbled away at Liverpool ’s hefty margin at the top of the Premier League table, Saka’s moment did far more than secure the points for Mikel Arteta ’s side.

In the same game as key player Bukayo Saka scored on his long-awaited return from injury, the Arsenal manager lost another in centre-back Gabriel before their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next week.

On Monday, Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka, who has not played for Arsenal since before Christmas, is fit to return to face Fulham. The immediate reaction from fans has been first excitement and relief.

Arsenal are back in action for the first time in 16 days as they host Fulham in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium tonight. The international break was followed by a weekend off for the Gunners,