How much closer would Arsenal be to Liverpool in this season’s title race had Saka not missed three-and-a-half months of the season? We will never know. There is no definitive answer of course, but it’s not much of a stretch to presume the gap is likely to have been less than 12 points heading into the home straight.

Bukayo Saka marked his return from a lengthy injury absence with a goal as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday to cut the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points. Saka came off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21,