Arsenal's exhilarating 2-1 victory over Fulham wasn't just another three points; it was a statement of intent, fueled by the electrifying return of Bukayo Saka and the consistent brilliance of Mikel Merino. Declan Rice, ever the astute observer, offered insightful commentary on the game and its key players, painting a vivid picture of Arsenal's resurgence. Saka's impact was immediate and undeniable. Entering the game as a substitute, he needed just six-and-a-half minutes to find the back of the net, securing a vital victory and igniting a roar from the Emirates faithful. Rice, who shares an international bond with Saka, expressed immense joy at his teammate's return to form: "You could see him coming off the pitch, how happy he was," Rice recounted. "I think the reaction from the fans speaks for itself and how much he’s loved here. He’s the man isn’t he? He’s the one that we’ve all been waiting for to come back fit. We’ve got him back at a crucial time, so let’s see what happens." Beyond the immediate elation, Rice underscored Saka's unwavering dedication during his injury rehabilitation. "He’s worked so hard – really, really hard. I’ve seen him every day. It’s been a nice reset for him, even though he didn’t want to get injured. He’s back fit, he’s training, he’s ready." This testament to Saka's professionalism highlights the character and determination that make him such a vital asset to the Arsenal squad. While Saka stole the headlines, Rice was quick to acknowledge Mikel Merino's crucial contribution, the midfielder who scored Arsenal's opening goal. Merino's ability to adapt to a striker role, despite his natural midfield position, showcased his adaptability and skillset: "He’s unbelievable," Rice stated. "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." Rice's assessment of the overall game reflects Arsenal's tactical prowess and resilience: "Most teams now come to Emirates Stadium and put up a back five against us so it’s tough to break down. But we stuck to our process and scored a good goal in the first half. Then obviously the Starboy came back and scored his goal in the second half, which was really special! Overall, good to get back out there and win the game. We’ve been away from each other 16 days, so to get back and win is a real positive. There are big games coming up, and it’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal player." With Saka back in the fold and the team's confidence soaring, Arsenal's title aspirations are stronger than ever. The combination of proven talent and unwavering team spirit positions them perfectly for the crucial matches ahead.