Local heroes key as Gunners kick for home in title race

Arsenal accounted for London rivals Fulham on Saturday.

Mon, 04 May, 2026 - 06:53

Nick Callow

Arsenal 3 Fulham 0

There are points in a season when selection, timing and form begin to align. On a balmy Saturday evening in north London, Arsenal produced a performance that reflected both their current strength and the direction of travel under Mikel Arteta.

Aside from the goalscoring gifts of big-money signing Viktor Gyokeres, the most instructive elements were provided by long-term investments: two academy graduates. Bukayo Saka returned to the starting line-up as captain, after carefully managing his Achilles injury issues, while Myles Lewis-Skelly made his first senior start in midfield.

The combination felt significant. Arsenal’s most successful sides have often included a strong homegrown core, from the Double winners of 1971 through to the title-winning side of 1989 and the teams developed under Arsene Wenger, culminating in the Invincibles of 2004. The current squad has been assembled differently, but the presence of Saka and the emergence of Lewis-Skelly suggest tradition remains relevant.

Lewis-Skelly’s role was the more unexpected. His breakthrough last season was as an emergency left-back. He did it so well he played there for England too. Yet he had to wait until Arsenal’s penultimate home game of the season to get a start in the central position he learned as a schoolboy hopeful. He adapted quickly, showing composure in possession and a willingness to receive under pressure.

“Honestly, I was buzzing,” he said afterwards, revealing he did not know he was starting until he arrived at the ground. “Being back in that midfield, getting the trust from the gaffer and the players again, just allows me to play my game and play it simple but also be effective.”

That sense of responsibility was clear in how he approached the role.

“It’s hugely important for me to set that tone,” he said. “When you're in midfield, there's a certain level you have to reach, which is to get the engine of the team going. I thought I did a good job of that.”

There was little sign of inexperience in his play. He provided passing options, linked phases and helped Arsenal control extended periods. It also allowed Arteta to rest the over-played, weary Martin Zubimendi “It’s a credit to all our players,” Lewis-Skelly added. “When we're all on the same wavelength, playing with that energy together, I feel like we're one.”

If Arsenal’s NO.49 (he chose the number in honour of his Invincibles heroes of 2004) inclusion pointed to emerging depth, Saka’s return underlined the value of established quality. He was central to the opening goal, helping to break down a compact Fulham defence, before adding one himself. His contribution was measured and his withdrawal at half-time appeared part of a managed plan.

Arsenal now host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, with the tie level at 1-1 following the first leg away in Madrid. Managing minutes for key players here reflects the demands of that fixture.

There are further positives in attack. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres scored twice, taking his total to 21 goals in his first season. Both finishes were taken efficiently and ensured the result was secured by half-time.

The possible return of Kai Havertz on Tuesday would offer another option, giving Mikel Arteta greater flexibility in the final weeks of the campaign.

Arsenal moved six points clear of Manchester City, although that margin may narrow given the games in hand still to be played, beginning with City’s trip to Everton on Monday. The more relevant detail here was the nature of the performance. Arsenal controlled territory, limited transitions and rarely allowed Fulham sustained possession in advanced areas.

The atmosphere inside the stadium reflected a shift in mood. There was less tension than might be expected at this stage of the season and more of a sense of confidence in Arteta’s structure and approach.

During the second half, chants of “49, 49, Lewis-Skelly” carried around the Emirates, recognition of a performance that had combined composure with authority. On a day when former captain Per Mertesacker was presented with a silver cannon to mark his contribution to the club as he relinquishes his role as head of youth development, it was a reminder of the pathway that continues to run through Hale End.

“The fans, these are my people,” local lad and Arsenal fan Lewis-Skelly added. “They give us so much energy and we’re so grateful for them.” For Fulham, it was another difficult visit. Their first trip to Arsenal came in 1904 and they remain without an away win in this fixture, a statistic that spans generations.

For Arsenal, the focus turns quickly.

“I’ll just keep going,” Lewis-Skelly said. “That’s all I can do.” It is a line that reflects both his own position and that of the team. With a limited number of league fixtures remaining and continued involvement in Europe, the emphasis is on maintaining consistency rather than projecting too far ahead.

The contribution of academy players does not define the season, but it has added depth at a point when availability and rotation are increasingly significant. Saka’s return, Lewis-Skelly’s introduction and the continued output of established attackers point towards a squad that, for now, remains well balanced.

The coming week will provide a clearer indication of how far that balance can take them and potentially the greatest season in their history.

Arsenal: Raya 8, White 6 (Mosquera 83), Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Calafiori 6, Rice 8 (Zubimendi 64) , Lewis-Skelly 8, Eze 8 (Dowman 78), Trossard 7, Saka 8 (Madueke 46), Gyokeres 8 (Jesus 64). Subs: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Martinelli, Norgaard.

Fulham: Leno 6, Castagne 6, Andersen 6, Bassey 6, Robinson 6, Reed 5 (Cairney 63), Lukic 5, Smith Rowe 6 (Kusi-Asare 78), Wilson 5 (Bobb 64), Chukwueze 5 (King 64), Jimenez 5 (Muniz, 73). Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Cuenca, Diop

Ref: Jarred Gillett 5

Att: 60,196 Ends…