Kolkata: Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, extending their winning streak to four games. Both goals were set pieces, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber heading in from corners to highlight the Gunners’ increasing proficiency in that area of the game. Mikel Arteta commended his team’s offensive flexibility through a difficult stretch of play. This was Arsenal’s fourth straight victory across all competitions after a run of ties and losses before the international break. After United drew at Newcastle United, they also closed the margin on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just seven points.
Although Arsenal’s mastery in set pieces was evident, the first half saw a muted effort. Although Thomas Partey had a chance from a Declan Rice corner that deflected wide, Arsenal found it difficult to generate clear-cut opportunities from open play. Andre Onana, United’s goalie, had to make two rapid clearances from corners. Gabriel Martinelli had a half-chance on the second, but his effort went high and wide. They were happy to slow down the pace, maintaining possession without posing any serious risks.
Diogo Dalot had a chance to score, but his effort missed the mark from a close angle. The second half saw a flurry of action, and in the 54th minute, Timber gave Arsenal the lead from another Rice corner, heading in from a tight angle. Matthijs de Ligt’s header from a set-piece was nearly immediately stopped by David Raya’s incredible fingertip save for United. Arteta put his team’s mentality and reaction to setbacks ahead of any worries about Liverpool’s game’s score. We made every effort to accomplish it.
Given the schedule and the role we played, it is true that we endured a lot during that time. Many things needed to be responded to, but the important thing is to go on. It doesn’t matter that we’ve won four straight. We must visit Fulham and outperform them. In the meantime, United’s setback left them mired in 11th place with 19 points, their first league loss since December 2023 and their first under Amorim. The constant pressure of Arsenal’s corners and strong all-around performance abruptly ended Amorim’s undefeated start to his coaching career.
