Mikel Arteta was buzzing to see Bukayo Saka in his 18 after three months away from the pitches of the Premier League, and he'll love that Saka quickly marked his return with a 73rd-minute goal.

This was Bukayo Saka’s moment. Out for 101 days with a hamstring injury, Arsenal supporters crammed into the Emirates with the anticipation of seeing him for the first time this year. They were not disappointed.

Bukayo Saka’s return for Arsenal after a lengthy injury lay-off couldn’t have gone much better. The 23-year-old had been sidelined since December with a hamstring problem, missing a crucial period of the season.

On Monday, Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka, who has not played for Arsenal since before Christmas, is fit to return to face Fulham. The immediate reaction from fans has been first excitement and relief.

For Arsenal it was a gruelling yet sadly familiar sight. A star player in obvious pain, his hand clutching the back of his leg. The hamstring muscles of the Arsenal first-team have presented problem after problem for Mikel Arteta this season,

Arsenal are back in action for the first time in 16 days as they host Fulham in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium tonight. The international break was followed by a weekend off for the Gunners,