However, while these two potential injuries could seriously affect the end of the campaign, last night also had some genuine positives, chief among them the return of Bukayo Saka.
Saka-Martinelli-Arsenal
The Hale Ender was spectacular in his first match in over 100 days, although there was a starter who was arguably even better and put in his most impressive display of the season.
Arsenal vs Fulham
Arsenal
Statistics
Fulham
2
Goals
1
52%
Possession
48%
2.31
Expected Goals
0.81
3
Big Chances
2
17
Total Shots
9
5
Corners
4
476
Passes
460
All Stats via Sofascore
Saka's return to Arsenal action in numbers
After being out of action for over three months, Mikel Arteta and Co made the correct decision to start Saka on the bench last night and bring him on in place of fellow Hale Ender Ethan Nwaneri in the 66th minute.
arsenal-saka-premier-league
Due to the severity of his injury and the time he spent out, we aren't too sure many fans really expected a great deal from the young Englishman upon his return, but he wasted no time in reminding everyone just how special a player he is.
It took all of seven minutes for the Ealing-born superstar to score the side's second goal, and it's a good thing he did, as following Rodrigo Muniz's late strike, it was the only thing separating the teams.
However, it wasn't just the goal that made the 23-year-old stand out, as before and after his strike, he was a real threat on and off the ball, leading the Standard's Dom Smith to give him an 8/10 match rating at full-time and proclaim that the club's 'talisman is well and truly back.'
Unsurprisingly, his statistics also make for great reading. In just 24 minutes of action, he amassed an expected goal and assists figure of 0.84, had one shot on target, took 13 touches, completed 100% of his crosses and long balls, won a foul, and lost the ball two times.
Saka's game in numbers
Minutes
24'
Expected Goals
0.72
Goals
1
Expected Assists
0.12
Shots on Target
1
Touches
13
Crosses (Accurate)
1 (1)
Long Balls (Accurate)
1 (1)
Fouls Won
1
Lost Possession
2
All Stats via Sofascore
Yet, as impactful and impressive as Saka was, one of Arteta's starters was even better last night and was most certainly the Gunners' man of the match.
The Arsenal star who was even better than Saka
There were a number of other stand-out performers from last night's game, such as Timber and Declan Rice, but when it came down to it, nobody was as good as Gabriel Martinelli.
martinelli-arsenal-premier-league
The Brazilian winger has received his fair share of criticism over the last season and a half for not reaching the level he did in the 22/23 campaign.
While it will take plenty more top-notch showings to convince people he can get back to that level, last night was the first time he got anywhere close.
The former Ituano gem was a constant threat throughout the 90 minutes and so thoroughly beat Timothy Castagne that to call it a battle would be wrong.
Instead of getting to his opposite number and stopping or losing the ball, the "unbelievable" ace, as dubbed by podcast Phil Costa, was taking people on and making things happen, and it was thanks to his sensational touch that Saka was able to score his goal.
Smith was just as impressed with the 23-year-old, awarding him an 8/10 at full-time and writing that he 'showed his skill by jinking past opponents' all night long.
It might all sound rather hyperbolic, but it's also borne out in his statistics. In 96 minutes, he amassed an expected goal and assists figure of 0.63, provided one assist, completed 66% of his dribbles, took 40 touches, made five key passes, and created one big chance.
Martinelli's game in numbers
Minutes
96'
Expected Goals
0.30
Expected Assists
0.33
Assists
1
Dribbles (Complete)
3 (2)
Touches
40
Key Passes
5
Big Chances Created
1
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, while last night's game had some serious negatives from an injury perspective, Arsenal fans can at least be happy that Saka looks as good as ever, and Martinelli might just be on his way back to his very best as well.
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