Arteta Calls for Hunger as Arsenal Host Fulham in Title Chase

Key facts

• Arsenal face Fulham at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 2 May 2026 at 5:30pm.
• Arsenal can move six points clear at the top of the table with a win.
• Viktor Gyökeres scored in the 9th and 45+4th minutes in the first half.
• Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are ruled out due to injury.
• Manchester City travel to Everton in their next fixture.
• Arsenal have four league games remaining.
• Arteta described the overturned penalty against Atlético Madrid as 'extremely disappointing'.

Lede: Arsenal’s Best Half in Weeks

Arsenal produced their most commanding first-half performance in weeks, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring twice to put them 2-0 up against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who have been without key creator Bukayo Saka for much of the season, suddenly looked fluid and dangerous. Alex Howell, an Arsenal reporter, noted that Saka’s presence made a significant difference to the team’s attacking shape.

The Title Opportunity

A victory over Fulham would lift Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily, before Manchester City travel to Everton. With only four matches left in the season, every point carries enormous weight. Arteta acknowledged the stakes in his pre-match press conference, saying the team has 'enough fuel in the tank' and that they are 'playing to win the Premier League.'

Arteta’s Squad and Injury Update

Arteta confirmed that Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber will miss the match due to injury, while Martin Ødegaard is expected to be available after the squad’s recovery from Wednesday’s semi-final. The manager said he would have a final update on the squad’s fitness after Saturday morning’s training. 'Obviously, we haven’t been able to train much,' he noted, referring to the short turnaround.

Midweek Disappointment as Fuel

Arsenal’s midweek match against Atlético Madrid ended in frustration after a penalty decision was overturned. Arteta declined to discuss the incident further, stating, 'I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to them in the last few hours. We will deal with that on Monday, now it’s Fulham.' He described the outcome as 'extremely disappointing' but insisted the squad has a 'siege mentality' and must channel that emotion into the run-in.

Fulham’s Struggles and Arsenal’s Momentum

Fulham offered little resistance in the first half, with Howell describing their performance as 'really poor.' Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, led by Gyökeres, overwhelmed the visitors. The Swedish striker’s double – a ninth-minute opener and a stoppage-time strike – gave Arsenal a comfortable cushion. Howell remarked that 'that should be enough for Arsenal to see this game out.'

The Broader Title Race Context

Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title comes down to four decisive matches. With Manchester City still in contention, every result matters. Arteta emphasized the need for hunger and determination, saying, 'We have only four games to play now and everything is at stake so it doesn’t get better than that.' The manager also called on supporters to bring 'that energy, that passion' to help the team achieve its goal.

Outlook: What Comes Next

If Arsenal hold their lead against Fulham, they will apply maximum pressure on Manchester City ahead of City’s trip to Everton. The title race remains finely balanced, but Arsenal’s performance in the first half suggests they are peaking at the right moment. Arteta’s message was clear: focus on Fulham, and let the hunger drive them toward the dream.

The bottom line

• Arsenal lead Fulham 2-0 at halftime thanks to a Viktor Gyökeres brace.
• A win would put Arsenal six points clear with four games remaining.
• Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber are injured and unavailable for the match.
• Arteta is using the overturned penalty against Atlético as motivation for the run-in.
• Fulham have been poor, offering little attacking threat in the first half.
• Arsenal’s next challenge is to maintain focus and secure the three points.