Dark Knight rises: brilliant Gyokeres keeps Arsenal in title race

Maybe too late, but better that than never.

Arsenal are finally looking sharp, determined and dominant - capable of winning trophies. And they're still in contention for the two most important ones - the Champions League trophy and the Premier League crown.

The latter is surely the most desired among the Gunners' fans, and they're surely thrilled after Mikel Arteta's men brushed aside Fulham on Saturday night, 3-0 to go six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. However, the Cityzens have two games in hand and could reclaim the lead and win the league if they beat all of their opponents.

A 3-0 win over Fulham at the Emirates extended one of the Premier League's most one-sided match-ups. Fulham have still never won away to Arsenal, with this the 35th meeting in north London ending in a now-familiar pattern: another home victory.

If anything, the only surprise was how routine it felt.

Much of that was down to Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward delivered one of his standout performances of the season, scoring twice and setting up Bukayo Saka for the third. It was a display that strengthened the growing sense he has justified his price tag - now with 21 goals in all competitions.

The contest was effectively settled by half-time. Arsenal's intensity overwhelmed Fulham early, and the 3-0 scoreline at the break reflected both control and efficiency.

There could have been more. Riccardo Calafiori had a goal ruled out for offside and later struck the crossbar, on a night when the Gunners' attacking play frequently cut through Fulham's defence.

Yet the bigger picture matters more.

With the title race tightening, goal difference could yet prove decisive. Arsenal stands at +41, narrowly ahead of Manchester City, and while the margin was not extended as much as it might have been, the result keeps the pressure firmly on their rivals.

For Mikel Arteta, there was another positive: control. The second half required little exertion, allowing key players to conserve energy ahead of a defining week.

Their attention now shifts quickly to Europe. Atletico Madrid await at the Emirates in the Champions League semi-final second leg. Arsenal arrive with momentum, efficiency, and, perhaps most importantly, fresh legs.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 35

Friday

Leeds United - Burnley 3-1 (1-0)

/Stach 8, Okafor 52, Calvert-Lewin 56 - Tchaouna 71/

Saturday

Brentford - West Ham 3-0 (1-0)

/Mavropanos 12 og, Thiago 54 pen, Daamsgard 82/

Newcastle - Brighton 3-1 (2-0)

/Osula 12, Burn 24, Barnes 90+5 - Hinshelwood 61/

Wolves - Sunderland 1-1 (0-1)

/Bueno 54 - Mukiele 17/

Arsenal - Fulham 3-0 (3-0)

/Gyokeres 9, 45+4 Saka 40/

Sunday

16.00: (1.63) Bournemouth (4.20) Crystal Palace (5.00)

17.30: (2.40) Man.Utd. (3.90) Liverpool (2.80)

21.00: (2.15) Aston Villa (3.60) Tottenham (3.60)

Monday

17.00: (1.75) Chelsea (4.20) Nott.Forest (4.60)

22.00: (6.50) Everton (4.80) Man.City (1.50)

***odds are subject to change***