Arsenal host Fulham with chance to go six points clear as Arteta demands 'hunger' in title run-in

Key facts

• Arsenal face Fulham at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
• A win would move Arsenal six points clear of Manchester City, who play Everton on Monday.
• Arsenal have four league games remaining, starting with Fulham.
• Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are ruled out through injury.
• Bukayo Saka's return has revitalized Arsenal's attack.
• Arsenal's previous match ended in a disappointing semi-final defeat, which Arteta described as 'extremely disappointing'.
• Arteta emphasized 'hunger' and 'desire' as key emotions for the run-in.

Arsenal's chance to apply pressure

Arsenal welcome Fulham to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday with an opportunity to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily. Manchester City, the defending champions and Arsenal's closest rivals, do not play until Monday evening when they travel to Everton. A victory for Mikel Arteta's side would heap pressure on City, who have a game in hand but would trail by three points if they lose at Goodison Park.

Arteta's rallying cry after semi-final disappointment

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta was unequivocal about the mindset required for the final stretch of the season. 'Focus on Fulham, and hunger. Hunger to play, hunger to compete, hunger to win, hunger to be closer to achieving our dream,' he said. The manager acknowledged the emotional toll of Wednesday's semi-final defeat, which he described as 'extremely disappointing', but insisted the squad has 'enough fuel in the tank' to push for the title. 'We're playing to win the Premier League, and it's exactly where we want to be. Four games to go, it's game two, I'm ready to go.'

Saka's return transforms Arsenal's attack

BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell, watching from the Emirates, noted that the first half against Fulham represented the best football Arsenal have played in weeks. 'Having Saka makes such a difference to the way they attack,' Howell observed, referring to Bukayo Saka's return from injury. The winger's presence has clearly revitalized the team's offensive fluidity, with Howell adding that 'that's the best Gyokeres has played for Arsenal too' — a reference to new signing Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled to find form since his arrival. Fulham, by contrast, 'have been really poor and offered nothing,' Howell said, suggesting Arsenal's lead should be enough to see out the game 'unless something dramatic happens in the second half.'

Injury concerns and squad rotation

Arteta confirmed that Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber will miss the Fulham match due to injury. The manager said he would assess the rest of the squad after training, noting that 'we haven't been able to train much' following the midweek fixture. The absence of Havertz, a key attacking midfielder, and Timber, a versatile defender, could force Arteta to rotate his lineup. With four games in 11 days, squad management will be critical as Arsenal chase their first Premier League title since 2004.

The broader title race landscape

Arsenal's match against Fulham is one of several pivotal fixtures this weekend. Elsewhere, Bournemouth host Crystal Palace, Manchester United face Liverpool, Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest, and Everton meet Manchester City. The results will shape the title race, with Arsenal aiming to maintain their slender lead. City's game in hand means they control their own destiny, but any dropped points by Pep Guardiola's side would hand Arsenal a significant advantage. Arteta's message to supporters was clear: 'Let's keep doing what we've done all season and bring that energy, that passion and together we're going to make it happen.'

What comes next for Arsenal

After Fulham, Arsenal have three remaining league matches: away to Nottingham Forest, at home to Brighton, and a final-day trip to Wolves. Each game carries immense weight, with no margin for error. Arteta dismissed questions about a potential 'siege mentality' following the semi-final defeat, but acknowledged the need to 'face any context, any situation to achieve our goal.' The manager's emphasis on 'desire, that determination, that hunger' suggests he believes the psychological edge will be decisive. With four games to play and everything at stake, the next fortnight will define Arsenal's season.

The bottom line

• Arsenal can go six points clear with a win over Fulham, putting pressure on Manchester City before their Monday match at Everton.
• Bukayo Saka's return has significantly improved Arsenal's attacking performance, as noted by BBC Sport's Alex Howell.
• Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are injured and will miss the Fulham match.
• Mikel Arteta has stressed 'hunger' and 'desire' as key to navigating the final four games of the season.
• Arsenal's semi-final defeat has not dented morale; Arteta insists the squad has 'enough fuel in the tank' for the title run-in.
• The title race remains tight, with Manchester City holding a game in hand but Arsenal currently leading the table.