The 500th competitive men’s match at Emirates Stadium will be remembered for its significance, as Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory against Manchester United, marking the first time in history the Gunners have achieved four consecutive wins over the Red Devils. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a goal on a set piece, followed by William Saliba, who controversially sealed the win after the ball deflected off him.
The result is particularly crucial as it narrows the gap at the top of the Premier League table to seven points, fostering a sense of momentum for Arsenal after their fourth straight victory since the international break.
The first half was tense, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. Arsenal, having scored 13 goals in their preceding three matches, found it difficult to break through a resilient United defense. Despite several attempts, including a near miss from Thomas Partey, nether side converted any chances.
It wasn’t until the second half that Arsenal gained the upper hand. Just eight minutes after the break, Timber capitalized on a corner delivered by Declan Rice, managing to deflect the ball into the net for his inaugural goal with the club. The Gunners continued to push, with key moments including a spectacular save by goalkeeper David Raya, who thwarted a dangerous free-kick from Matthijs de Ligt.
Arsenal extended their lead in the 73rd minute, benefiting once again from a set piece, with the ball deflecting off Saliba to solidify the two-goal advantage. This marked an impressive trend for Arsenal, scoring 22 goals from corners since the beginning of the previous season.
Throughout the match, United struggled offensively, recording just five shots in the first half—the fewest in a Premier League game this season. This game also ended Ruben Amorim’s impressive unbeaten league streak, which had lasted 34 matches.
As Arsenal looks forward to the next challenge, they will face Fulham in the Premier League this Sunday, followed by a crucial Champions League match against Monaco at home. This win over Manchester United not only showcases the team’s resilience but also highlights their growing confidence as they aim for further success in the league.
This match represents not just a historic victory, but also an ongoing positive trajectory for Arsenal as they aim to climb the league and maintain this red-hot form. The team’s ability to capitalize on set pieces and their solid defensive performance are promising signs for the matches ahead.