Arsenal Capitalizes On Set-Pieces To Secure 2-0 Victory Over Injury-Hit Manchester United

Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, as Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat in English football. The Gunners took advantage of their prowess from set-pieces, with defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scoring in the second half to trim Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The home side broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Declan Rice’s corner found Timber at the near post, who headed the ball past Andre Onana in the United goal. Arsenal nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but United’s Manuel Ugarte had to clear off the line following another Rice corner.

Saliba sealed the victory when Thomas Partey’s header from a Bukayo Saka corner deflected off the French defender’s back and into the net. Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored 22 goals from corners, more than any other Premier League side.

Despite the defeat, United did threaten Arsenal’s goal on occasion. Diogo Dalot flashed a shot past David Raya’s post in the first half, and the Arsenal keeper made an excellent save to deny Matthijs de Ligt in the second half.

Amorim, who had warned of a “storm” coming for United before the game, saw his three-match unbeaten start come to an end. The Portuguese coach attributed the loss to the injury concerns and fitness issues within his squad.

“It’s not because I like to change all the time, but we have to have all the squad fit,” Amorim said. “So for example, Harry Maguire has a time limit, Tyrell Malacia has a time limit, Mason Mount has a time limit, Leny Yoro has a real time limit, so we have to manage within games, different methodology, different way of playing, more metres to press.”

Amorim also addressed Luke Shaw’s recent injury setback, stating, “What I can say since I arrived, I see him in the medical department working a lot in the gym, working a lot on the pitch. We control the load during the games, during the trainings. He was losing weight, so he was doing everything. If he continues to do that behaviour, he’s a top, top player and we need him. No matter how long he will need, I will be with him, we will help him to return.”

The victory marks Arsenal’s third successive league win, their first such streak this season. The Gunners now sit third in the table with 28 points, level with Chelsea and seven behind league leaders Liverpool.