Arsenal delivered a dominant performance against Manchester United on Sunday, securing a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The win not only marked a significant achievement for Mikel Arteta’s side but also handed Ruben Amorim his first defeat since taking over at Manchester United.
The Gunners capitalized on two well-executed corners to secure all three points, as defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba found the back of the net. The result saw Arsenal climb to third place in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea and just seven behind leaders Liverpool, who dropped points earlier in the day.
The match saw Arsenal take the lead in the 54th minute when Declan Rice delivered a corner into the box. Timber, the full-back, made a perfect run to the near post and powered a header past United goalkeeper Andre Onana. The goal was the latest in a string of set-piece successes for Arsenal, a testament to their improved prowess in this area under Arteta’s guidance.
Just minutes later, United found themselves on the back foot again as Rice’s next corner almost doubled the Gunners’ advantage. A flicked header from Joshua Zirkzee set up a scramble in front of goal, but United’s Manuel Ugarte cleared the ball off the line, keeping his side in the game for the moment.
However, it was only a matter of time before Arsenal sealed their victory. In the 67th minute, Bukayo Saka’s well-placed corner found Thomas Partey, whose header was deflected off Saliba’s back and into the net, past Onana. The goal confirmed the Gunners’ dominance, and despite a few late United attempts, Arsenal held firm.
Arsenal’s set-piece strategy has become a hallmark of their recent performances, with Timber and Saliba’s goals bringing their total from corners to 22 since the start of last season, more than any other team in the Premier League.
United, under Amorim, had their moments but lacked the cutting edge needed to challenge Arsenal effectively. Diogo Dalot came close to scoring in the first half with a fierce shot that flashed past the post, and in the second half, David Raya made a brilliant save to deny Matthijs de Ligt’s header from a corner.
Despite the defeat, United had some positive moments. Substitute Mikel Merino should have scored when he headed wide from yet another Arsenal set-piece, and Kai Havertz’s shot was saved by Onana in the latter stages as the hosts dominated the final phase of the match.
The result marked a sobering end to Amorim’s unbeaten start in English football. Before the match, the Portuguese manager had warned that a “storm” would soon hit United, and it certainly arrived in North London. United now face a tough challenge to regain momentum as they attempt to close the gap on the top of the table.
Arsenal’s tactical execution and set-piece expertise were on full display as they continue to build momentum in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
