The Emirates Stadium recently hosted its 500th competitive match for the men’s team, and it was a memorable occasion. Arsenal achieved a historic victory over Manchester United, marking their first time securing four consecutive wins against the Red Devils. Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba sealed a 2-0 victory, further solidifying the team’s form as they work to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table.
The match had a slow start with both teams exhibiting a cautious approach in the first half. Arsenal, despite their recent scoring spree, struggled to create significant goal-scoring opportunities in the initial 45 minutes. It wasn’t until the second half that the momentum shifted. Timber’s breakthrough came just eight minutes post-intermission, capitalizing on a corner delivered by Declan Rice, netting his first goal for the club.
Saliba’s goal followed in the 73rd minute, again stemming from a set-piece, as he benefited from a fortuitous deflection that doubled the lead. This continued a trend of Arsenal effectively exploiting set-piece opportunities, having scored 22 goals from corners since the previous season. Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, played a crucial role in maintaining the lead with a series of top-notch saves, including an outstanding stop following a United free-kick.
The statistics from this match were telling. It was the first Premier League match since 2014 in which Manchester United conceded two goals from corners, and they had only managed a mere five shots in the entirety of the first half—a record-low for this season.
In terms of individual accolades, both Kai Havertz and Declan Rice reached milestones with their 50th Premier League appearances with Arsenal. The game also marked a notable defeat for United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, ending his impressive 34-game unbeaten streak in league matches.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will continue their Premier League campaign against Fulham this Sunday, followed by a Champions League match against Monaco at home.
This win not only showcases Arsenal’s prowess but also reflects a promising direction for the team as they build confidence with each match. With four consecutive victories since returning from the international break, fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming fixtures.