Arsenal extended their winning streak to four games by securing a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Both goals came from set-pieces, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scoring headers from corners, demonstrating the Gunners’ growing strength in that area of their game. Mikel Arteta praised his team’s overall adaptability in attack and their determination to overcome a difficult period of the season.
This victory, Arsenal’s fourth consecutive in all competitions, followed a series of draws and defeats before the international break. It also saw the team reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just seven points after the Reds drew 2-2 at Newcastle United.
Despite the absence of injured key defender Gabriel, Arsenal’s set-piece threat remained potent, with their corner kicks constantly causing United problems. Arteta, when asked about his team’s competence in set-piece situations, noted that set-pieces are an integral part of Arsenal’s evolution into a more complete team.
‘We want to be dangerous and effective from every angle and in every phase of the game, and we work on that,’ Arteta told reporters. ‘Today we could have scored on action, as we did against West Ham and Sporting, so the team really believes that from every angle we can threaten the opponent and score.’
While Arsenal’s ability in set pieces was on full display, the first half saw a rather underwhelming performance. Arsenal struggled to create any clear-cut chances on action, although Thomas Partey had a chance from a Declan Rice corner kick that was deflected wide. United goalkeeper Andre Onana was forced into two quick clearances from corner kicks, with the second providing a half-chance for Gabriel Martinelli, whose shot went high and wide.
Manchester United seemed content to slow the pace, maintaining possession but failing to create any significant threat. They went close to scoring towards the end of the first half, with Diogo Dalot shooting wide from a tight angle.
The game resumed in the second half and it was from another Rice corner kick that Timber gave Arsenal the lead in the 54th minute, scoring with a header from a tight angle. United almost responded instantly, with David Raya making an extraordinary fingertip save to deny Matthijs de Ligt’s header from a spot kick.
Arsenal sealed victory in the 73rd minute when Saliba scored from another dangerous corner pass. Partey’s header from Bukayo Saka’s pass bounced off Saliba and into the net, giving Arsenal their 22nd league goal from a corner kick since the start of last season.
Ruben Amorim, United’s coach, acknowledged that the game was defined by the spot kicks. ‘Until the spot kicks, the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both teams, but those spot kicks really decided the game,’ he said.
With the win, Arsenal moved up to third place in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea but ahead on goal difference. The win also means they have now reduced the gap to Liverpool to seven points, reigniting their title challenge after a period of mixed results.
Arteta dismissed any concerns about the score of the Liverpool game, focusing instead on his team’s mentality and response to setbacks. ‘The will to win is there,’ Arteta said.
‘We did our best to achieve it. It is true that we went through a lot of difficulties during that period, with the schedule and the position we played in. Many things had to be addressed, but it’s about doing the next one. We have won four in a row, it doesn’t matter. We have to go to Fulham and be better than them.’
Arsenal’s performance not only showcased their strength in set pieces, but also demonstrated their resilience in the face of adversity. Despite a difficult few weeks, the Gunners are back on track and ready for the next challenge.
Meanwhile, United’s defeat, their first under Amorim and first league defeat since December 2023, left them languishing in 11th place with 19 points. Amorim’s unbeaten start to his reign as coach was abruptly interrupted by relentless pressure from Arsenal’s corners and solid overall performance.
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