Mikel Arteta masterstroke as Arsenal thrash Fulham and surge six points ahead of Man City

Arsenal went six points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Fulham at home to lay the gauntlet down to Manchester City who have two games in hand

Arsenal laid down the gauntlet to Manchester City by stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points with a 3-0 thrashing of Fulham.

The Gunners made a blistering start at the Emirates Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres converting from close quarters following an inviting cross from talisman Bukayo Saka. Riccardo Calafiori thought he had found the net again but watched his effort chalked off by VAR.

Arsenal did eventually secure a second goal to savour courtesy of England sensation Bukayo Saka, who was fed by the Swedish striker with a clever pass. He then registered a brace with a thunderous header before half-time. The victory sees Mikel Arteta’s title hopefuls stretch their advantage over Pep Guardiola’s City, who have two games in hand and will be aiming to reduce that deficit when they face Everton on Monday.

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A big call for Arteta saw him select academy product Miles Lewis-Skelly in the heart of midfield alongside Declan Rice, rather than Spanish veteran Martin Zubimendi. But it appeared as though the youngster had been operating in midfield throughout his entire career.

He disrupted play effectively, showed composure in possession and offered crucial protection ahead of the Arsenal backline. Given this was merely his fourth Premier League start of the campaign, Lewis-Skelly deserves credit for adapting so smoothly to an unfamiliar role.

Following his potentially pivotal penalty away against Atletico Madrid in midweek, Gyokeres was back among the goals. While the Swede capitalised on Fulham’s lapse defending, enormous praise must go to Saka.

The England ace collected possession on the right, shaped to deliver with his left boot, before cutting inside his defender. Having reached the goal line, he rolled the ball back to the unmarked Gyokeres, who slotted home.

The former Sporting Lisbon striker was back in action once more before the interval as he powered home a delightful delivery from Leandro Trossard. Gyokeres has now reached 21 goals for the campaign across all competitions. Considering the flak he has copped, that’s quite a respectable tally.

Having been absent from Arsenal’s Premier League starting XI since mid-March, Saka has needed some time to rediscover his peak form. Yet he appeared back to his brilliant best against Fulham.

He gave Antonee Robinson a torrid time all evening, with his individual brilliance proving crucial to Gyokeres’ breakthrough goal. Saka then got on the scoresheet himself as he rifled past Bernd Leno at the near post.

This ended Saka’s 11-match streak without finding the net at the Emirates. Should he maintain this standard between now and the season’s conclusion, he could well propel Arsenal towards the championship.

The sole minor worry was witnessing Saka withdrawn for Noni Madueke at half-time, though hopefully his departure was merely a precautionary measure ahead of the return fixture against Atletico.

With only three fixtures remaining, Arsenal now hold a big advantage in the title race. Should City suffer defeat against Everton on Monday, that means the Gunners realistically require just two additional victories to secure the championship.

And having boosted their goal difference against Fulham, that constitutes another significant edge. Naturally, it’s nowhere near finished – City could well draw level on points once more should they overcome Everton and claim victory in their outstanding fixture.

But it’s reasonable to suggest that Arsenal have regained command of the title battle.