Bukayo Saka scored and assisted as Arsenal beat Fulham 3-0 on Saturday, ending a 16-game drought without scoring three goals. The result came at the perfect moment, with Arsenal facing Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday, level at 1-1 after a tense first leg in Madrid.

What did Bukayo Saka do against Fulham?

Saka set up Viktor Gyokeres for the opener before scoring Arsenal’s second himself, a driven shot into the bottom corner for his 10th goal of the season. Arteta then withdrew him at half-time to protect his achilles. The 24-year-old contributed two decisive actions and was then carefully managed with Tuesday firmly in mind.

Why does Saka’s form matter for the Atletico Madrid tie?

Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final is finely balanced after a first leg that hinged on penalty decisions. Both sides scored from the spot, but Arsenal felt they were denied a second penalty when Eberechi Eze was fouled inside the box. Saka’s introduction as a substitute in that game helped Arsenal finish the first leg with momentum.

Arteta believes Saka is arriving at his best at exactly the right time. “He certainly made a difference. He made two actions that decided the game and we know what he’s capable of,” the Arsenal manager said. “He’s come back in the most important period of the season and now he’s fresh.”

Saka has battled back from a serious hamstring injury that cost him three months last season, followed by ongoing achilles trouble. His new four-year contract, which reportedly makes him Arsenal’s highest earner, underlines how central he is to the club’s ambitions. Arteta is confident his attacker is both physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

What has Bukayo Saka’s season looked like this year?

Saturday’s goal was Saka’s 10th of a campaign disrupted by injury. His output has been limited compared to previous seasons, but his influence on those around him has remained clear. Arteta described him as mentally fresh, with his hunger at its peak heading into the most important week of the season.

Former Arsenal winger Robert Pires, who played in the only previous Arsenal Champions League final, a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in 2006, sees the same spark returning in Saka. “He’s found his sharpness again, he’s brought back his dribbling, his drive,” Pires told AFP. “When you have players like him, capable of making the difference, it already does everyone a lot of good.”

Pires added that Saka’s impact goes beyond his own contributions. “He pulls the others along, getting them to do, or at least try to do, what he does.” It is the kind of leadership that Arteta will be counting on if Arsenal are to reach the final in Budapest next month.

Can Arsenal reach the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid?

Arsenal’s defence has been the foundation of their run, conceding just six goals across 13 Champions League matches. With that solidity behind them, the question is whether Saka can provide the creative spark to take them the final step. If Saturday’s performance is any guide, Arsenal head into Tuesday’s second leg with reason for optimism.