VIKTOR Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka starred in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Fulham on Saturday as the Premier League leaders moved a step closer to their first title in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta’s side demolished woeful Fulham with a three-goal first-half blitz at the Emirates Stadium.
Gyokeres put Arsenal ahead, and the Sweden striker netted again on the stroke of half-time after Saka had doubled their lead.
The Gunners’ second successive league victory lifted them six points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men have two games in hand, with the first of those at Everton on Monday, but Arsenal’s dominant display has left City with no margin for error in a gripping title race.
City can draw level on points with Arsenal if they win their games in hand, but goal difference will be the deciding factor if both teams keep taking maximum points.
Arsenal, with three matches left, have a +41 goal difference, while City are on +37 with five to play.
So often criticised for winning ugly this season, the Gunners finally produced the kind of flowing football that is the hallmark of potential champions.
Crucially, Saka was back in the starting line-up for the first time since March 22 after returning from an achilles injury.
The England winger, who made two substitute appearance over the last week, is back just in the nick of time and his sublime display showed what Arsenal missed after losing three times in his five-game absence.
Arsenal been far from convincing in recent weeks, blowing a substantial lead at the top after damaging defeats against City and Bournemouth.
A tense 1-0 win against Newcastle last weekend hardly suggested they had conquered their anxiety, prompting Arteta to urge his players to manage their emotions in the nerve-shredding title race.
For a few days at least, they can relax, with the spotlight now on City’s trip to Everton.