After more than two weeks without football, I was desperate for it to return—only to wish it never did just 20 minutes in. I’m now convinced Arsenal’s season is under some sort of evil curse.
The win over Fulham had all the magic we expected, moving Arsenal within nine points of Liverpool. But let’s be real—their title hopes are hanging by a thread. And even in victory, there was a heavy price to pay.The Return of the King
If you could script the perfect return for Bukayo Saka, it would obviously involve him scoring. But his comeback was even grander than that.
From the standing ovation he received just while warming up, to the roar when he stepped onto the pitch, the moment felt like a cinematic title sequence.
His goal, though, was a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. What if Arsenal had Saka fully fit all season? Would the dropped points against West Ham, Aston Villa, or Manchester United have turned into wins? Would Arsenal be in a genuine title race rather than playing catch-up?
The one positive? Saka should be ready to start against Real Madrid next week. Fran García has been filling in for the injured Ferland Mendy, and after watching Eduardo Camavinga play left-back in Real’s chaotic 4-4 Copa del Rey draw with Real Sociedad, Saka will surely fancy his chances against either of them.
Alongside him, Gabriel Martinelli also returned, looking revitalized. Even Mikel Arteta singled him out for praise. And with Mikel Merino (who now has five goals in eight games as an unexpected center-forward) also in great form, Arsenal can look forward to the Everton clash as a chance to build momentum—unless, of course, David Moyes’ side kicks Saka into oblivion first.
A Titan Falls
If you’d asked me to name one Arsenal player I could not afford to lose, it would be Gabriel. No one has been more consistent this season.
So, when he hit the ground, the ominous inevitability of the injury was clear.
Ironically, his early return from international duty—initially seen as a blessing—now feels like the butterfly effect from hell.
His replacement? Jakub Kiwior. And his performance was, well… predictable.
He’s had moments of brilliance, even earning starts in high-stakes games like last season’s Etihad showdown. But ever since that Champions League nightmare against Leroy Sané and Bayern Munich, something has changed.
One minute, he’s making a crucial recovery tackle on Adama Traoré. The next, he’s gifting the ball back and nearly costing Arsenal a goal.
With Ben White also struggling with a knee issue, the thought of facing Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Co. without Gabriel is terrifying.
Martinelli’s Statement Performance
I know I already mentioned Martinelli, but I’m going to wax lyrical for a few more paragraphs.
His assist for Saka’s goal was brilliantly crafted, but what truly stood out was his all-round performance.
So often, his final ball or decision-making has let him down. Not this time.
He took on defenders, made the right passes, and showed the energy and directness Arsenal have missed. But beyond that, I sensed something different: a new urgency, perhaps fueled by the reality that if he doesn’t perform, Leandro Trossard will take his spot against Real Madrid—or worse, he could lose his place in Brazil’s squad to Vinícius Jr.
There were even reports that Neymar was surprised Martinelli made Brazil’s squad for the recent international break. Whether that’s true or not, if this is how Martinelli responds to critics, then Carlo Ancelotti’s right-back is in for a nightmare next week.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Gabriel’s injury is a gut punch. But the attacking transformation Arsenal showed in this game keeps me just about on the right side of a smile.
For now.