Arsenal defeats Manchester United with set-piece mastery

Arsenal secured a vital 2-0 victory over Manchester United at home, using their expertise in set pieces to dominate the match. The match started with Arsenal on the front foot. Gabriel Martinelli thought he had opened the scoring within the first five minutes, but Kai Havertz, in the build-up, was deemed to be marginally offside, and the goal was ruled out. Arsenal continued to press, creating multiple chances. Thomas Partey had a golden opportunity to give Arsenal the lead but saw his header from close range narrowly miss the post.

Arsenal’s set-piece magic

One of Arsenal’s key strengths this season has been their set-piece delivery, and it was on full display once again. Declan Rice, known for his precise deliveries, swung in a perfect corner early in the second half, and Timber was the recipient. The Dutchman extended his run at the near post and directed the ball into the net, giving Arsenal a deserved 1-0 lead.

Zirkzee’s late challenge

Immediately after Timber’s goal, Arsenal continued to apply pressure, with Rice delivering another dangerous corner. This time, Zirkzee, who had just come on, managed to intervene and prevent a second goal for Arsenal. Zirkzee was joined on the field by Leny Yoro, the 19-year-old French talent making his debut after joining Arsenal for around fifty million euros from Lille last summer.

Saliba’s lucky break and Arsenal’s dominance

Just when Manchester United seemed to be regaining composure, Arsenal struck again. William Saliba benefitted from a fortunate rebound off Partey, and the ball ricocheted into the net, doubling Arsenal’s lead to 2-0. It was Arsenal’s 22nd goal from a set-piece since the start of last season, the most of any team in the Premier League.

Manchester United’s struggles

Despite a strong start to the season, Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, struggled to break down Arsenal’s defense. Even a header from Matthijs de Ligt in the second half was thwarted by a sensational save from Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya. With Arsenal solid defensively and clinical on set pieces, Manchester United couldn’t mount a serious challenge, and the game ended 2-0.

Arsenal’s title push continues

This important win allowed Arsenal to close the gap on Liverpool, who had drawn 3-3 against Newcastle earlier in the day. With this victory, Arsenal now sits just seven points behind the Reds, while Manchester United’s struggles continue, leaving them in 11th place. For Arsenal, this was a statement performance. With the added strength of Timber, Ødegaard’s creativity, and their set-piece prowess, they continue to look like serious contenders in the Premier League this season.