Post-Fulham quotes round-up: Arteta, Silva, Martinelli, Rice, Wright
04/01/2025 06:35 PM
Bukayo Saka made a triumphant return to action, netting the decisive goal as Arsenal edged past Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.
Mikel Merino's deflected strike put the Gunners ahead just before half-time, and Saka doubled the lead six minutes after replacing Ethan Nwaneri, nodding home from close range. Rodrigo Muniz, who had earlier spurned a golden chance, pulled one back in stoppage time, setting up a tense finale – but Arsenal held on for a couple of minutes to take all three points.
Here’s what the managers, players, pundits and stattos made of the action…
Mikel Arteta on a hard-fought three points…
We deserved to win the game. We were dominant but it’s true we conceded the goal because we didn’t defend the box well enough. When you concede a goal two minutes to go in the Premier League, you hang in there for the rest. We expected this [from Fulham], well coached, difficult to get through. You have to be patient and aggressive, our front line was and [Gabriel] Martinelli had a good game. We are strong as a team, the culture is strong, the willingness to adapt and go for it is also there.
Source:Sky Sports
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Marco Silva on his side’s performance…
It wasn’t a good game from us. Arsenal deserved to win, not a good first half. Difficult when they took control. Even in the first 10 minutes we looked like we were not aggressive enough, not doing the right moves. We had the ball but not with the attacking aggression we have to have. The second goal makes a massive impact, it’s clear we have to try to stop that. Reaction after that was good, subs had impact on the game but it was a bit too late. Rodrigo [Muniz] had a chance to score around 79 minutes but overall not a good performance. They fought until the end but not the best one.
Source:BBC MOTD
Declan Rice on the challenge posed by Fulham…
Tough, most teams play back fives here now and it’s down to us to break that down. Tough when they come to the edge of the box. You have to be mindful. It was comfortable but probably the last 10-15 minutes we were a bit naive and they could’ve scored two or three.
Source: Sky Sports
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Arteta on the standing ovation given to Saka when he came on…
It was a beautiful reaction from our people to show him that love, respect and admiration and he fully deserves. His reaction straight away after scoring was to say thank you to all the sports scientists, physios and everyone who has participated in his recovery. It tells you who he is as a person, so it’s impossible not to love him.
Source:Arsenal.com
10 – Bukayo Saka has now scored and assisted 10+ goals across all competitions in each of the last three seasons; the first Arsenal player to do so since Alexis Sánchez between 2014-15 and 2016-17. Back.
— OptaJoe (@optajoe.com) April 1, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Rice on Saka’s return…
The reception speaks for itself. That’s why he’s one of the best wingers in the world because he attacks the box and sniffs the goal. You take them, he’s in the right position at the right time and topped off a great night for him and for us. He gives us an outlet. All of our front players are so different and rotate so well. [Gabriel] Martinelli unbelievable tonight, real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo goal. With Bukayo back it’s a real boost.
Source: Sky Sports
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Gabriel Martinelli on Saka’s quality…
We know how good he is and how important he is for our team. He is one of the captains as well. We trust him so much. I’m really happy for him. It’s good to have him back and we are lucky to have him. It’s not good being out. We prefer to be on the pitch and helping the team but we need to try to improve things when we get injuries. We did it and now we are happy to have him back.
Source:BBC Radio 5 Live
10 – Ethan Nwaneri (18y 11d) is the second-youngest player across Europe’s big five leagues to reach 10 goal involvements across all competitions this season (8 goals, 2 assists), only behind Lamine Yamal (17y 77d). Producing.
— OptaJoe (@optajoe.com) April 1, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Rice on Merino’s contribution…
He's unbelievable. Seeing him up close and in training, his technical quality – and what he has as a player and how he adapts himself to the team – is incredible. It's not easy being a midfielder who can play eight or six, but then being asked to play nine is a whole different ball game, especially with how the manager wants to play. He's put himself out for the team. He's such a good guy and to score a proper striker's goal is amazing.
Source:Arsenal.com
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Martinelli on the injuries…
It’s not good for us to lose a player like Gabi, but it is what it is. We are going to have to see what happened with him and if he is good for the next game, and if not we will have to try to adapt. We know how good we are and we are going to try to win the games even though he is injured.
Source: BBC Radio 5 Live
6 – Mikel Merino has scored six Premier League goals this season for Arsenal – his most in a single league campaign in his top-flight career. Striker.
— OptaJoe (@optajoe.com) April 1, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Rice on Timber and Gabriel picking up injuries…
Yeah, it’s disappointing. I don’t know what’s happened too much to be honest, but two of our key players. But look, we’ve got other players who are unbelievable and who are ready to go no matter who we play against. Whoever the manager picks will always be ready, but let’s see what happens with them two, hopefully, it’s ok.
Source:NBC Sports
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Arteta on Kiwior stepping into the breach with Calafiori, Timber, Gabriel and White seemingly injured…
The good thing with Jakub is he’s been very reliable. Every time we need him, he’s always there, he’s available, he does his job, we ask him to play as a left centre-back, as a right centre-back, as a left full-back. He’s ready, he has a smile on his face, he’s sad for Gabi, but he really wanted to play as well. He will be fine. You ask that dressing room how much they want to play the next two games, and the Real Madrid game, believe me, everybody wants to be on that pitch.
Source:Post-game press conference
Nottingham Forest are now projected to finish inside the top four of the Premier League in 81.8% of the Opta supercomputer simulations, while they finish in the top five places 93.3% of the time.
Click here for more detail: theanalyst.com/competition/…
— Opta Analyst (@optaanalyst.optajoe.com) April 1, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Ian Wright with an optimistic take on the evening…
It’s a perfect night for Arsenal fans. To get the three points was imperative but also to have Saka back, and for him to get the winning goal, is fantastic.
Source:Premier League Productions
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Ex-Brighton striker Glenn Murray on Martinelli…
Gabriel Martinelli deserved a goal. He has been a shining light all night for Arsenal. He’s caused Timothy Castagne all kinds of problems down the Fulham right hand side.
Source:BBC Radio 5 Live
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