Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised Bukayo Saka but raised fears over the extent of Gabriel's injury 

Bukayo Saka's 68th goal for Arsenal in all competitions was his first as a substitute, coming six minutes and 36 seconds after coming on.

Speaking to Sky Sports about Saka after the Gunners beat Fulham 2-1, Rice said: "The reception speaks for itself. 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 - unbelievable tonight, real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo's goal. With Bukayo back it's a real boost."

However, speaking about Gabriel's injury the England midfielder admitted: "I don't know what's happened, I hope he's OK because he's been arguably our best player this season and we need him for big matches and big occasions."

Mikel Merino netted his sixth Premier League goal for the Gunners this season - his most in a single campaign in his league career, as Arsenal made it over the line against the dogged Cottagers, who landed a late consolation through Rodrigo Muniz.

Assessing the overall match Rice added it was: "Tough. Most teams play back fives here now and it's down to us to break that down. Tough when they come to the edge of the box. You have to be mindful. It was comfortable but probably the last 10-15 minutes we were a bit naive and they could've scored two or three."

On Liverpool and league title Rice added: "We know we're behind them in the league. We can only control what we can do and that's to win our eight games.

"We've slipped up one too many times this season, we will keep hunting them down and keep putting pressure on them that's all we can do."