21 hours Ago
Having picked up a severe hamstring injury back in December, which required surgery, Saka has been a huge miss to the Gunners side, losing his goal threat and creativity, compounded by several other attacking injuries. Ethan Nwaneri has filled in admirably over the past few months, and the extra minutes have been a significant factor in his development. But with Real Madrid around the corner in the Champions League quarter-finals next week, having Saka back, and scoring, is a massive boost.
Up until his absence, Saka was having an electric season, performing at a player-of-the-year level for everyone not named Mohammed Salah. His ability to stretch the play and control the game from the wide area is so integral to Mikel Arteta’s style of play, and his impact was immediate to see as soon as he stepped on the pitch once again. He will be crucial to Arsenal’s end-of-season hopes and returning with a goal - heading home at the far post - is the perfect way to get back up to speed.
Mikel Merino continued his goal-scoring streak as a stand-in centre forward, with a poacher’s finish in the box helped by a deflection. It was the Spaniard’s fifth goal in his last eight games across the Premier League and Champions League, contributing well in his makeshift position. Unfortunately, a couple of injuries took the shine off the night, with Gabriel limping off early with a possible hamstring injury and Jurrien Timber also forced to depart with a knock.
It has been a torrid season with injuries - and Arsenal's bad luck looks like it has continued again. Jakub Kiwior was the man to step up in place of Gabriel, and he could be asked a lot with Real Madrid on the horizon should the Brazilian not be fit to play. Arsenal travel to Merseyside on Saturday lunchtime to face bottom-half Everton.
Being a handful of days before the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Gunners boss having one eye on the huge European night..
