Declan Rice names Arsenal star who was ‘unbelievable’ in Fulham win as he responds to Gabriel injury concern
Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday night as they returned to Premier League action
Arsenal made it back-to-back Premier League wins either side of the international break as they defeated Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The Gunners beat Chelsea 1-0 in North London over two weeks ago ahead of the international break as the previous 15-point gap to Liverpool has now been cut to nine points.
Arne Slot’s side have played a game fewer, as they take on Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday night. There are eight games remaining for Mikel Arteta’s side to try and overturn the deficit and pull off what would be a miraculous comeback to win the title.
Mikel Merino opened the scoring against Fulham while Bukayo Saka marked his return to action as he came off the bench and added what proved to be a crucial second, as Fulham grabbed a goal in the 94th minute.
Rice on Saka return and Martinelli
Declan Rice was speaking after the game and was delighted to have Saka back while also reserving some praise for Gabriel Martinelli for his influence on the outcome of the game. Rice said: “The reception [for Saka] speaks for itself. That’s why he’s one of the best wingers in the world because he attacks the box and sniffs the goal. You take them, he’s in the right position at the right time and topped off a great night for him and for us.
“He gives us an outlet. All of our front players are so different and rotate so well. Martinelli unbelievable tonight, real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo’s goal. With Bukayo back it’s a real boost.”
He added: “Most teams play back fives here now and it’s down to us to break that down. Tough when they come to the edge of the box. You have to be mindful. It was comfortable but probably the last 10-15 minutes we were a bit naive and they could’ve scored two or three.”
Rice responds to Gabriel injury concern
Tuesday’s game was not all plain sailing for Arsenal as defender Gabriel Magalhães was forced off early in the contest with a potential hamstring injury. The Brazilian pulled up before going down for treatment and looked concerned as he left the pitch.
Asked about the injury, Rice said: “I don’t know what’s happened, I hope he’s OK because he’s been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions.”
Gabriel played in 74 of Arsenal’s 76 Premier League games throughout the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons while he has only missed a handful of fixtures this term with a minor knee injury.
The post “He should have gotten himself a handful of goals last night, he was unbelievably good and he’s one of my best ever teammate”- Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice names ONE Arsenal star who was unbelievable in Fulham win as he responds to Gabriel injury concern appeared first on RealSport.