Arsenal's Beautiful Week Haunted by Fulham

LONDON, MONDAY - Two pieces of good news have come to Arsenal in the past week. Winger Bukayo Saka is set to return after a three-month absence, and the new sporting director Andrea Berta has been officially appointed. Fulham, currently "heartbroken," is determined to spoil Arsenal's joy.

For Arsenal, Fulham has been like kryptonite lately. The Gunners have failed to win in their last three games. The two teams will face each other again in a London derby at Arsenal's home ground, Emirates Stadium, on Wednesday (2/4/2025) at 01.45 WIB.

Fulham arrived bearing scars after being eliminated from the FA Cup, defeated by Crystal Palace 0-3 last Saturday. Head coach Marco Silva stated that the time for mourning was over. "We have cried and grieved enough on Saturday afternoon. After that, we focused on facing Arsenal," said Silva.

Arsenal must remain vigilant. They always struggle against mediocre teams that employ a mid-block defensive scheme. Fulham will allow Arsenal to control the ball in their own half but will restrict movement into the final third.

Even when they managed to escape the opponent's trap and dominate in their first duel of the season at Fulham's home ground, Arsenal was still held to a 1-1 draw. The last time Fulham visited Emirates Stadium, they took home one point despite finishing the match with ten players.

"They have always been tough opponents because they are well-trained and have been united for years. Both their organization and individual quality are equally good. The last time we met, they were very clinical. They defended and reduced space after scoring a goal," said Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta.

Fulham is indeed a formidable opponent. Nevertheless, Arsenal's squad is unafraid of any challenge. The team's morale has been boosted by the return of their star player, Saka, who had been sidelined since December due to a thigh injury. Saka is now ready to play in the match against Fulham.

Saka's contribution is significant for "The Cannon." He has already contributed 5 goals and 10 assists in the English Premier League this season. Despite being absent for more than three months, the England national team player remains the top contributor of total goals and assists at Arsenal.

According to Arteta, the coaching team is being very cautious in Saka's recovery. They do not want to force the player despite experiencing a striker crisis. "We have done everything necessary and respected the recovery schedule. He is ready to play," he stated.

Arsenal's attack that is based on the right side, Saka's operating area, will come back to life. In addition, they can also optimize the weapon from corner kicks again. Saka is a reliable passer. As many as 3 of Saka's 10 assists were created through corner kicks.

Since mid-January, Arsenal have only scored one goal from a corner kick. That statistic does not match their new nickname as the kings of dead balls. Before Saka's injury, from the start of the season until December, they managed to score ten goals from corners.

“Bukayo is a great weapon that we have. We know the impact he has on the team and how important his contribution is. It’s great to have him back. The fact that he’s back at the most important stage of the season is a big boost for the team,” Arteta explained.

Despite the head-to-head record, Arsenal have more advantages. One of them is more rest after the international break. "They didn't play 48 hours before like us. Their high pressure and physicality will definitely make it difficult," said Silva.

The match will also be special for Saka's fellow Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe. Rowe will be returning to the Emirates Stadium for the first time in a Fulham shirt, having left Arsenal last summer.

Arsenal announced a new sporting director on Sunday. Andrea Berta, the former Atletico Madrid sporting and technical director, was chosen as Edu Gaspar's replacement. The experienced recruit was greeted with enthusiasm, including by Arteta.

"He has a great attitude and charisma and a desire to win. That's what we want to achieve and to have someone who has won will definitely help. Now it's time to build chemistry," Arteta concluded.

Only one day on the job, Berta immediately accompanied Arteta in the pre-match press conference. The Italian introduced himself first by shaking hands with all the journalists in the room. Then, he watched the Q&A carefully. (AP/REUTERS)