Arsenal opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Fulham, thanks to a first-half double from Viktor Gyokeres either side of a goal from Bukayo Saka. The Gunners started brightly and with purpose, taking a deserved lead in the ninth minute when Saka put Raul Jimenez on his backside and laid the ball on a plate for Gyokeres to slot home.
Gyokeres returned the favour shortly before halftime, finding Saka who beat former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno at his near post to double the lead, before Gyokeres headed in Leandro Trossard's cross in added time.
Arsenal played within themselves in a sedate second half having wrapped up a win that puts them on 76 points from 35 games, with second-placed Manchester City on 70 points from 33 games. Fulham are 10th with 48 points from 35 games, three points behind west London rivals Brentford in sixth.
Arsenal vs Fulham latest updates
- GOAL! Gyokeres adds third
- GOAL! Saka doubles lead
- GREAT SAVE! Leno denies Gyokeres
- GOAL! Gyokeres opens scoring
Arteta praised over 'surprise' selection as Arsenal star shines in 'dream' victory
20:29 , Oli GentMikel Arteta has been lauded for his decision to start Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.
The victory took the Gunners six points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race, although Pep Guardiola’s men do have two games in hand on their rivals.
Three things we learned from Arsenal win as stars reborn
20:28 , Oli GentMatt Verri picked out his three key takeaways from today’s game...
Arsenal player ratings
20:28 , Oli GentMatt Verri was on hand to rate the Arsenal players this evening...
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
20:27 , Oli GentRead the full match report here!
FT: Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:25 , Oli GentThere we have it.
The Gunners are victorious.
Six points clear.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:21 , Oli Gent90 mins: Four added minutes.
Matt Verri reports
19:15 , Oli Gent87 mins: Dowman really does have no fear at all. Just charges through the middle of the pitch and into the box after a sharp turn. Slightly off balance and fires wide but it is scary the way he plays.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:13 , Oli Gent84 mins: White is replaced by Mosquera.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:13 , Oli Gent82 mins: Arsenal are cantering to a huge three points here. This has them six points clear at the top as it stands.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:09 , Oli Gent79 mins: Smith Rowe can’t continue, and is replaced by Kusi-Asare.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:07 , Oli Gent78 mins: Max Dowman is coming on for Eze.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:07 , Oli Gent77 mins: Smith Rowe is down and needing some treatment after appearing to pull a muscle while taking a shot.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:03 , Oli Gent74 mins: Muniz replaces Jimenez for the Cottagers up top.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:01 , Oli Gent72 mins: Jimenez strikes... into the wall.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
19:01 , Oli Gent71 mins: A good area for a free kick for Fulham. Cairney and Jimenez are eyeing it up on the edge of the area.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:58 , Oli Gent68 mins: Chance! Jesus has an opportunity as he’s slid into the box by Madueke, but he can’t sort his feet out and get a shot off.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:55 , Oli Gent65 mins: Two Arsenal subs too as Gyokeres and Rice are off for Zubimendi and Jesus.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:54 , Oli Gent63 mins: Three changes for the visitors as Harry Wilson, Samuel Chukwueze and Harrison Reeed are off, with Josh King, Oscar Bobb and Tom Cairney on.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:50 , Oli Gent60 mins: Fulham are definitely opening up a bit more and are looking to utilise Robinson down the left. Wilson, meanwhile, who has been their star all season, has hardly had a sniff.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:47 , Oli Gent57 mins: Close! Gyokeres steams clear on goal with Fulham defenders in his wake. He looks to lift it over Leno, but the German denies the striker his hat-trick.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:45 , Oli Gent55 mins: The hosts knocking it about confidently with 10 minutes on the clock in this second half.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:40 , Oli Gent51 mins: Castagne makes contact at the near post, but nobody is there to get on the end of the flick on.
Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:39 , Oli Gent50 mins: A measured start to this second half from Fulham as they look to chip away at the deficit. Robinson gets to the left byline and crosses, and Saliba slices it behind. Corner, Fulham.
Matt Verri reports
18:36 , Oli Gent47 mins: Did wonder where Arteta would land on the debate between going all out for a goal difference boost and resting players for Tuesday night. The first move indicates more of the latter, with Madueke on for Saka at half time.
Kick off!
18:35 , Oli Gent46 mins: Back underway, as Noni Madueke replaces Bukayo Saka in a half-time change. Wonder what that’s all about...
Matt Verri reports
18:22 , Oli GentIncredible. Arsenal's best half in a long, long time. They have blown Fulham away. Not just the performance but the goals to go with it too and the Emirates is absolutely bouncing.
HT: Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:21 , Oli GentA standing ovation for the Gunners as we reach the interval. They're six clear at the top as it stands.
Goal! Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
18:19 , Oli Gent45+3 mins: It’s three, and Gyokeres has his second.
Trossard does well breaking down the left, standing Andersen up before looking for his big striker in the middle. He gets up highest to nod home.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
18:16 , Oli Gent45 mins: Three added minutes.
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
18:14 , Oli Gent44 mins: Close! The hosts look for a third as Saka and Calafiori link up before Saliba teases a ball into the back post where Gabriel throws himself at it, but he can’t make contact.
Matt Verri reports
18:11 , Oli Gent42 mins: Saka set Gyokeres up for Arsenal's opener and the striker has returned the favour. Again runs the channels well and then picks out the run of Saka, and it's a really clever finish into the near post having opened his body up. To say Arsenal have missed Saka in recent weeks would be an almighty understatement.
Goal! Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
18:10 , Oli Gent40 mins: Back in the team, back with a goal. Saka makes it two for Arsenal, flashing one inside Leno’s near post with an arrowed effort.
Matt Verri reports
18:08 , Oli Gent38 mins: Tough few seconds for White, who stumbles to lose the ball and then shanks it out of play under no real pressure. Arteta charges along the touchline applauding him, trying to lift his full-back.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
18:05 , Oli Gent34 mins: A strong challenge from Gabriel to dispossess Jimenez, who falls to the ground and complains about the force of the tackle. Nothing doing, says the referee.
No goal!
18:00 , Oli Gent31 mins: Calafiori is offside, and the score remains at one!
Goal! Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
17:59 , Oli Gent30 mins: It’s two, and it’s Calafiori. Another slick Arsenal move as Rice slides Saka in down the right. Eze meets it and it’s well blocked, before Trossard stands one up for the returning Italian who nods home!
Matt Verri reports
17:58 , Oli Gent29 mins: Massive chances for 2-0. Gyokeres and then Saka should probably score. Arsenal have been so impressive so far, need the second goal to make the most of this start. Lewis-Skelly and Eze together in midfield has made a massive difference - Arsenal able to play in tight spaces and relieve pressure, either by turning out of trouble or winning free-kicks.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:57 , Oli Gent28 mins: Great save! The long throw results in a second phase that sees the ball thrown into the box towards Gabriel, who challenges Leno for the high ball. It falls for Gyokeres who strikes, but Leno is there to deny him. Saka then has a pop, but it’s wide of the target.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:56 , Oli Gent27 mins: Saka’s inswinger is flapped at by Leno but doesn’t drop to a red shirt as Gabriel makes a first contact. Bassey is able to hack it clear, but the Gunners have a long throw opportunity which Gabriel will hurl in towards White, but Jimenez is underneath it well.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:55 , Oli Gent26 mins: That’s a slick move from Arsenal as Saka, Rice and Saliba combine down the right. Rice gets his head up after some crisp one-touch stuff to cross, but it’s nodded behind by Reed.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:53 , Oli Gent25 mins: Lukic is in the book for a cynical clip on Eze in centre-field.
Matt Verri reports
17:52 , Oli Gent24 mins: Gyokeres was good in midweek and he's started well again here. Not just the goal, but he's using his body well up against the Fulham defenders to hold the ball up. Confidence looks to be flowing for the striker, who now has 20 goals to his name this season.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:51 , Oli Gent22 mins: Rice sends a free kick into the box from wide left, and that’s unconvincing from Leno as he comes to punch... but Eze’s shot from the follow-up is charged down well.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:49 , Oli Gent20 mins: It’s a strong Arsenal press when Fulham have the ball deep in their own territory. Rice and Saka both going hunting, looking to dispossess the visitors in high areas.
Matt Verri reports
17:47 , Oli Gent17 mins: Arsenal far more positive with their passing than we've often seen in recent weeks. Gabriel has played a few balls in behind - Gyokeres just offside for this one but the intent is good. Much better from the hosts.
Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:44 , Oli Gent14 mins: Arsenal are in their groove after that early nerve-settler. Can they use this momentum to get a second?
Matt Verri reports
17:41 , Oli Gent11 mins: Perfect start for Arsenal. That's what they have missed on the right wing - the brilliant turn to beat the defender but then end product too from Saka. Gyokeres in the right place to finish. That eases some of the tension.
Goal! Arsenal 1-0 Fulham
17:39 , Oli Gent9 mins: The Gunners are ahead, and it’s Gyokeres! What a start for the hosts, as Saka sits down Jimenez, turning him inside out before flashing it across for his centre-forward to tap home!
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:36 , Oli Gent7 mins: A first chance for Saka to run at Robinson and he darts infield. He links up with Trossard, who works it back out to the right for White. Patient build-up from the hosts as Gabriel looks for Gyokeres, but the flag is up.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:33 , Oli Gent4 mins: A decent move frmo the hosts as Lewis-Skelly looks to find an incisive pass into Gyokeres, but he can’t gather. It comes for Trossard who strikes with his left, but he drags it wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Fulham
17:32 , Oli Gent3 mins: Rice is already dropping incredibly deep when Arsenal get on the ball. He’s splitting the two centre-backs and forming a back three in possession.
Kick off!
17:30 , Oli Gent1 min: We’re underway.
Five minutes to go
17:25 , Oli GentThe players are on their way out, and we’re about to get going.
Ten minutes to kick off
17:20 , Oli GentWho will win this one?
Matt Verri reports
17:15 , Oli GentJurrien Timber is here this evening, watching from the touchline as his team-mates warm-up. The Dutchman has been out since March with a groin injury - been a huge miss.
Arteta pre-match
17:10 , Oli GentBukayo Saka starts a PL game for the first time since mid-March!
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2026
Mikel Arteta gives his team news ahead of a big game against Fulham 🔁 pic.twitter.com/m7mUVVRUbJ
Arsenal's 32-game unbeaten run at home against Fulham is the longest any side has faced another without defeat in English football league history. 👀 https://t.co/iyg8j7d5aU
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 1, 2026
Saka shooting for the stars
16:55 , Oli GentFour players have provided 50+ Premier League assists for Arsenal:
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 2, 2026
◎ 94 - Dennis Bergkamp
◎ 74 - Thierry Henry
◎ 70 - Cesc Fabregas
◎ 54 - Mesut Ozil
Bukayo Saka needs just two more to join them. 🅰️🅰️#ARSFUL | @bet365 | #Ad pic.twitter.com/9OMUPoaPfI
'Can't afford to make it a worry'
16:48 , Oli Gent"They can't afford to make it a worry"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2026
Alan Smith on Arsenal's final push for the Premier League title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/6fxn4nHJEW
Fan reaction
16:40 , Oli GentLEWIS SKELLY MIDFIELD, IM HAPPIER THAN HIS MUM RIGH NOW
— abdullahi (@Abdullahi_szn) May 2, 2026
hopefully he gives his best performance ever
Fan reaction
16:35 , Oli GentSkelly in midfield
— Oak Tree 🌳🇨🇦💙💫 (@OakTreexk) May 2, 2026
Things we love to see
Zubi really needs a rest
I’m excited to see what skelly will do today
Eze starts
Saka starts
Let’s win this
Matt Verri reports
16:32 , Oli Gent🗣️"At the biggest moment of the season, Arteta has thrown him in."@MattVerri gives his pre-match thoughts ahead of Arsenal's clash with Fulham, with a surprise pick from in midfield...
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 2, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/vONmhbiuKm #ARSFUL pic.twitter.com/SxrnJAMXes
Matt Verri reports
16:30 , Oli GentInteresting Arsenal lineup. Just the second time Zubimendi doesn't start in the Premier League this season and Lewis-Skelly is set to start in midfield for the club for the first time. Big boost too that Saka is now fit enough to start - Arsenal need him up to full speed quickly.
Arsenal lineup
16:23 , Oli GentArsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, Hincapiem, Jesus, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Zubimendi, Dowman
Fulham lineup
16:18 , Oli GentFulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze: Jimenez
Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Diop, Cuenca, Cairney, King, Bobb, Kusi-Asare, Muniz
Arteta sends Nwaneri challenge amid loan struggles
16:07 , Oli GentMikel Arteta has warned Ethan Nwaneri he must answer questions over his commitment at Marseille, suggesting it could be the making of the Arsenal teenager's career if he does so.
Nwaneri joined the French side on loan in January due to a desire for more regular first-team football.
New Arsenal title worry?
16:00 , Oli GentIs this it? Another huge few days in Arsenal's season is here, but is it the huge few days? The days, the two matches, that will finally bring the answers?
We have been here before. Many times this season, in fact. It feels as though every week since Christmas has been billed as the one that will set in stone the direction in which Arsenal's campaign is going.
Arsenal predicted XI
15:55 , Oli GentPredicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Match odds
15:48 , Oli GentArsenal to win: 40/85
Fulham to win: 13/2
Draw: 17/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head
15:40 , Oli GentThe last five meetings between these two London rivals have either been drawn or settled by only one goal.
Arsenal wins: 44
Fulham wins: 9
Draws: 13
Standard Sport prediction
15:33 , Oli GentEvery Premier League game is a must-win for Arsenal given how tight the title race is. With the opportunity to go six points clear of Man City, who have a tough game away at Everton, the Gunners simply can’t let this slip.
While Fulham are in decent form, they have struggled for goals of late and have only won four times away from home in the league all season.
We expect another nervy showing from Arsenal but they should get the job done eventually.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Fulham team news
15:25 , Oli GentKenny Tete could return for Fulham having not played since the stalemate with Nottingham Forest on March 15.
Ryan Sessegnon will not feature against Arsenal, with last week’s match-winner against Aston Villa joining Alex Iwobi and Kevin on the sidelines.
Arsenal team news
15:18 , Oli GentArteta has to ponder whether to freshen up his side with one eye on the second leg against Atletico on Tuesday.
The good news for the Gunners boss is that he is starting to get key players back. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze should both start after coming off the bench in the second half in Madrid.
Riccardo Calafiori is also pushing for a return and could replace Piero Hincapie at left-back, while Myles Lewis-Skelly might get some minutes in midfield if Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice are rested.
Kai Havertz - who could return in midweek - is set to miss out again, along with Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino. Martin Odegaard is a doubt.
How to watch
15:07 , Oli GentTV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 5pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Hello and welcome!
14:58 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Fulham in the Premier League.
The Gunners can go six poitns clear at the summit with a win here, with Man City in hot pursuit.
Stay tuned for all the updates, with kick off at 5.30pm BST.
