Arsenal continued their fine form in the Premier League with a commanding 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both resulting from corner deliveries, highlighted the Gunners’ strength in set-piece situations. Meanwhile, United’s defensive frailties were laid bare, as manager Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat since taking charge.
Set-Piece Supremacy
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have developed into one of the most formidable teams in Europe when it comes to set-pieces. Against United, this strength was on full display. The first goal arrived in the 54th minute when Declan Rice’s corner found Timber, who timed his run perfectly to head the ball past Andre Onana at the near post.
The second goal, albeit unconventional, was another example of their persistence in capitalising on dead-ball situations. Bukayo Saka’s corner found Thomas Partey, whose header ricocheted off William Saliba’s back and into the net. It was a testament to Arsenal’s organisation and awareness in such moments.
This tactical weapon has been a cornerstone of Arteta’s strategy, with Arsenal now having scored an impressive 22 goals from corners since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League side. Even with Gabriel Magalhaes unavailable due to injury, the Gunners proved they have no shortage of aerial threats.
United’s Defensive Struggles
Despite Amorim’s focus on defending set-pieces during warm-ups, United failed to contain the Gunner’s delivery and movement. Manuel Ugarte managed a critical goal-line clearance following another dangerous Rice corner, while Onana was forced into multiple saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
This marked the first time United conceded twice from corners in a league match since January 2014, a statistic that underscores the difficulty they faced at the Emirates. Though Amorim has shown promise in his short tenure, this defeat highlighted the significant work required to make United competitive against the Premier League’s top teams.
Arsenal’s Growing Momentum
This victory marked Arsenal’s 500th match at the Emirates Stadium, and the team rose to the occasion. Since enduring back-to-back defeats to Inter Milan and Newcastle in early November, the Gunners have turned their form around, with this win extending their unbeaten run to five matches.
The return of Martin Odegaard has added much-needed creativity to Arsenal’s midfield, while the defensive unit, even without Gabriel, has been resilient. David Raya made crucial saves to deny Diogo Dalot and Matthijs de Ligt, preserving Arsenal’s clean sheet.
Amorim’s Learning Curve
Ruben Amorim warned of a “storm” coming for United before the match, and his prediction rang true. United were disciplined in the first half, limiting Arsenal’s chances, but struggled to maintain that intensity in the second.
Amorim’s frustration was evident on the touchline, particularly when his side failed to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. However, there were positives to take from Leny Yoro’s debut. The 19-year-old defender, signed for £62m, showed glimpses of his potential and could become a key player in Amorim’s rebuild.
Arsenal vs Man United Key Performances
- Player of the Match: William Saliba not only secured the second goal but also marshalled Arsenal’s defence effectively.
- Declan Rice: Delivered pinpoint set-pieces that repeatedly troubled United’s defence.
- David Raya: Made crucial saves to keep United at bay and ensure a clean sheet.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal’s third successive league win positions them as serious title contenders. Their mastery of set-pieces has become a defining strength under Arteta, offering a crucial edge in tight matches.
For United, this loss was a reminder of their ongoing rebuilding process. Amorim faces a challenging task in elevating his team to the level of Arsenal, who look increasingly like a side capable of challenging for the Premier League crown.
This result leaves Arsenal third in the table with 28 points, level with Chelsea, while Manchester United continue to seek consistency under their new manager.
Related article: Premier League Transfer News: Big-Money Moves and Loan Swoops
