Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Emirates Stadium. PA Images/Alamy Images

Watch: Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scores first goal after absence

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 5:09 PM ET

Arsenal's 2024-25 Premier League season has been disappointing. Despite sitting in second place yet again, the Gunners still trail first-place Liverpool by a wide margin as the season begins to wrap up, quickly closing the door on the team's attempt to win its first title since 2004.

But Tuesday provided a bright spot for the fans attending Arsenal's mid-week clash with cross-town rival, Fulham.

Right winger Bukayo Saka made his return to the pitch as a second half substitute after missing three months with a hamstring injury.

It only took him seven minutes to remind fans why he's the Gunners' "Star Boy," scoring his first goal since Dec. 11 to extend the team's lead to 2-0.

BUKAYO SAKA SCORES ON HIS RETURN FROM INJURY. WHAT A MOMENT.

Peacock | #ARSFUL pic.twitter.com/i0DdCa7Vxd
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 1, 2025

Emirates Stadium erupted into cheers and applause in what was an emotional moment for the 23-year-old.

After being mobbed by his teammates he was seen sprinting to the Arsenal bench to embrace the training staff that assisted in his intense recovery.

Saka's 73rd minute strike wound up being the game-winner as the Gunners held on for a 2-1 victory over Fulham. Arsenal is now nine points behind Liverpool in the table.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

More must-reads: