Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Bukayo Saka after he took just six minutes and 36 seconds to show score what proved to be the winner in Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Fulham at Emirates Stadium.
Saka had not featured for Arteta's side since sustaining a hamstring injury in Arsenal's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on 21 December, but made up for lost time immediately and celebrated his goal with the Arsenal physios who helped with his recovery.
"It was a beautiful reaction from our people to show him that love, respect and admiration and he fully deserves," Arteta said on Arsenal's website.
"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.
"He's trained with us for the last nine days, and he’s been impressive straight away.
"The problem that we put for him was very demanding by respecting the timeframes because we knew that the moment that we throw him in, he needs to be ready because it's the most important part of the season, so, I'm really pleased with that."
Saka's goal was 'written in the stars'
Former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray stated that it was "written in the stars" that Saka would make a goalscoring return.
"Bukayo Saka is the difference maker," said Murray. "He just knows where to be, what to do. This time he arrives right on time at the back post to nudge the ball into an empty net. Right when his side need him.
"Second half the tempo dropped a bit in the stadium and the introduction of Bukayo Saka lifted the place. It was written in the stars that he would come on and score."
Rice: That's why he's one of the best wingers in the world
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, an England team-mate of Saka, was surprised neither by his contribution, nor the raucous reaction from Arsenal fans following Saka's goal.
"The reception speaks for itself," Rice told Sky Sports. "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 was unbelievable tonight, a real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo's goal. With Bukayo back it's a real boost."
