Viktor Gyokeres brace secures comfortable win for Arsenal over Fulham

The result also extended the Gunners' remarkable unbeaten home head-to-head run against Fulham to 33 matches.

With Manchester City yet to face Everton, Mikel Arteta's side capitalised fully, recording back-to-back league wins in emphatic fashion.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Arteta showed one eye on Europe, rotating his squad ahead of the upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal wasted little time asserting control, taking the lead in the ninth minute when Bukayo Saka set up Viktor Gyokeres. The hosts continued to dominate, though Riccardo Calafiori saw a goal ruled out for offside.

Saka, captaining the side, then doubled the advantage in the 40th minute, finishing a move created by Gyokeres. Just before half-time, Gyokeres grabbed his second, converting after good work involving Leandro Trossard.

Saka's influence was particularly evident in the first half before he was withdrawn at the break for Noni Madueke. Later substitutions saw Gyokeres and Declan Rice make way as Arteta managed minutes carefully.

Fulham had their moments, with Timothy Castagne testing the defence and Raul Jimenez attempting an ambitious effort, but David Raya was largely untroubled until making his first save in the 73rd minute.

At the other end, Bernd Leno produced several strong stops, denying Gabriel Magalhaes and Gyokeres, while also tipping a deflected Calafiori header onto the crossbar.

There was a poignant moment when Emile Smith Rowe departed injured to warm applause. Fulham, now 10th, suffered only their second defeat in six matches but remain in contention for European qualification. 

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