Bukayo Saka is back—and just in time. After weeks of Arsenal struggling to find their rhythm, the 24-year-old winger's return to fitness in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham felt like a turning point. For the first time in a while, the Gunners looked like their old selves, and it was no coincidence that Saka was at the heart of it all.
The England international made his first start since mid-March after nursing an Achilles injury, and he wasted no time reminding everyone why Arsenal made him the highest-paid player in club history back in February. His first-half performance was electric, curling in a clever goal past Fulham's goalkeeper and creating chances that had been missing from the Gunners' attack in recent weeks.
Arsenal had not won by two or more goals since their Champions League last-16 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in March, and their form had dipped—winning just two of their past six matches. But Saka's presence changes everything. His creativity and confidence on the ball give Mikel Arteta's side a spark that had been absent, especially in big moments.
"He made two actions that decided the game," Arteta said after the Fulham win. "He's come back in the most important period of the season. His mind is fresh, his hunger is at the highest possible height, and that's a big platform for Tuesday."
That Tuesday clash is a Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, with the tie level after the first leg. With Saka fit and firing, Arsenal's hopes of reaching the final—and ending their trophy drought since 2020—look brighter than ever. The last time their attack truly flowed was February's 4-1 demolition of Tottenham, and fans will be hoping Saka can recreate that magic on the biggest stage.
As the season enters its final stretch, one thing is clear: a fully fit Saka could be the difference-maker Arsenal have been waiting for.
