EPL: Saka scores on Arsenal return as N’Forest beat Man United

Bukayo Saka marked his return from a lengthy injury absence with a goal as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, while Nottingham Forest defeated Manchester United 1-0 to close in on Champions League football next season.

Arsenal maintained some pressure on leaders Liverpool by cutting the gap at the top to nine points.

Saka came off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21, after Mikel Merino’s deflected effort had given Arsenal a first-half lead.

However, victory came at a cost as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off injured.

Jurrien Timber was also forced off late with a knee injury.

“It was a good opportunity to see how much people love him and missed him,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Saka’s ovation before he even stepped foot back on the field.

“The reception he got was magnificent. He lifts the stadium and I am so happy for him because he fully deserves it,” Arteta added.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but defeat is a blow to Fulham’s ambitions of European football next season.

Haaland ruled out for 7 weeks with ankle injury

The Cottagers remain in eighth, three points outside a top-five finish that would almost certainly secure Champions League football next season.

Former United winger Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club with a stunning solo effort after just five minutes at the City Ground to earn all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Third-placed Forest extend their lead over Newcastle in sixth to 10 points.

Thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions this season, the top five will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League.

Forest are two-time European champions but have not played in the continent’s elite competition since they were holders in 1980.

Elanga was discarded by United in 2023 after a bright start to his career at Old Trafford, but is one of many Forest success stories fulfilling his potential under Nuno.

The Swedish international collected possession deep inside his own half but showed blistering pace to burst into the United box before firing low past Andre Onana.

United remain without two consecutive Premier League wins all season with the Red Devils languishing down in 13th.

At the bottom of the table, Wolves pulled ever closer to survival with a 1-0 win over West Ham.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the only goal at Molineux as Wolves moved 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

The Star