Arteta Hails Lewis-Skelly and Saka as Arsenal Beat Fulham 3-0 to Go Six Points Clear at Top of Premier League

Key facts

• Arsenal beat Fulham 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
• The win puts Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
• Myles Lewis-Skelly started and delivered an 'incredible performance'.
• Bukayo Saka played 45 minutes and made two decisive actions.
• Arteta confirmed he will watch Manchester City's match due to the high stakes.
• The victory came after Arsenal returned late Thursday from Madrid.
• Arteta noted that fresh legs from some players boosted the team's performance.

Arsenal Extend Lead with Commanding Win Over Fulham

Arsenal moved six points clear at the summit of the Premier League table with a 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The result, achieved just days after a draining midweek trip to Madrid, underscored the depth and resilience Mikel Arteta has instilled in his squad. The manager acknowledged the challenge of refocusing after the European exertions but said his players showed 'hunger' and 'determination' to secure a critical win.

Arteta Praises Lewis-Skelly's Maturity and Saka's Impact

Myles Lewis-Skelly, making a start, earned special praise from Arteta. 'He fully deserves it. I've been tough on him,' the manager said, noting that the young midfielder had a 'spectacular season' last year but faced difficult moments since. 'He stayed very humble, very focused, and today he really stepped up. I thought he had an incredible performance.' Bukayo Saka, returning from injury, played 45 minutes and made two decisive actions that decided the game. Arteta said Saka is 'back to his best' and that his freshness and hunger are at their peak. 'He needed a performance like that to impact the team, and that's a big platform for Tuesday,' Arteta added, referencing the upcoming Champions League fixture.

Gyokeres Shines with Two Goals as Partnership with Saka Blossoms

Viktor Gyokeres scored two goals, showcasing the positional and timing improvements Arteta said the team has been working on. 'He had a great performance in Madrid, especially the first half, and today his contribution with the goals was excellent,' Arteta said. The manager highlighted that Gyokeres was involved in every attacking action and that his performance will give the team a 'big boost of energy and confidence'. Arteta also noted the budding partnership between Saka and Gyokeres, who have had limited time together due to injuries. 'There are relationships that I really enjoyed today,' he said, hinting at a growing understanding between the two attackers.

Arteta to Watch Manchester City Match as Title Race Intensifies

With Arsenal now six points clear, Arteta confirmed he will watch Manchester City's upcoming match. 'What do you think? Yes, because I love football and it's so much at stake,' he said. The manager acknowledged that the win over Fulham was 'critical' not only for the points but for the momentum it generates ahead of a massive Champions League tie at the Emirates on Tuesday. 'This game was going to carry a lot of energy towards the next game, and it's certainly going to do that,' he stated.

Fresh Legs and Tactical Adjustments Key to Victory

Arteta credited the introduction of fresh legs for the team's improved performance. 'We had some fresh legs from a few players. You could notice that big time because the individual performance increased and then the team flowed in a different way,' he explained. The manager said that when the team engages the supporters and creates the atmosphere seen at the Emirates, it makes it 'very, very difficult for the opponent.' He also addressed Saka's substitution at half-time, saying the club needs to 'ramp up his load' carefully. 'We need to be careful because we need him on that pitch,' Arteta said, emphasizing the importance of managing the winger's minutes ahead of a busy schedule.

Looking Ahead: Champions League Showdown and Title Push

Arsenal's victory sets the stage for what Arteta called 'one of the biggest games in the history of this stadium' on Tuesday. The manager expressed confidence that the team's hunger and focus will carry them forward. With a six-point lead in the Premier League and a crucial European tie on the horizon, Arsenal's season is reaching a defining moment. Arteta's ability to rotate and keep his squad fresh will be tested, but the early signs from the Fulham win are promising.

The bottom line

• Arsenal's 3-0 win over Fulham puts them six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
• Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered an 'incredible performance' after being given a start by Arteta.
• Bukayo Saka made two decisive actions in 45 minutes, signaling his return to top form.
• Viktor Gyokeres scored two goals, showcasing improved positioning and timing.
• Arteta will watch Manchester City's match, highlighting the high stakes in the title race.
• The victory provides momentum ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture on Tuesday.