The 500th competitive men’s match at the Emirates Stadium turned out to be a memorable occasion, as Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United. This win marked Arsenal’s first time ever achieving four consecutive wins against the Red Devils. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were the goal scorers, both benefiting from set pieces that have become a hallmark of Arsenal’s success.
Timber opened the scoring just after half-time by connecting with a corner delivered by Declan Rice, marking his inaugural goal for the club. Saliba then extended the lead in the 73rd minute, finding the back of the net after a goalmouth scramble, as the ball ricocheted off him.
This result was significant, reducing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just seven points as Arsenal’s momentum continues to build following a series of strong performances since the international break.
The first half of the match was characterized by a cautious approach, with Arsenal struggling to break down a resolute United side. Despite creating some opportunities, both teams went into the break without a goal, with United only managing one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
In the second half, however, Arsenal came out with renewed vigor, quickly establishing control. Timber’s goal ignited the home crowd and solidified Arsenal’s dominance. Following the second goal from Saliba, the Gunners were fully in command.
Arsenal’s set pieces have proven to be particularly effective, with the team scoring 22 goals from corners since the start of last season. This match also marked a historic low for United, as it was the first time since January 2014 that they conceded two goals from corner situations in a Premier League match.
The victory also meant that Arsenal’s manager Ruben Amorim experienced his first league defeat since December 2023, ending a remarkable unbeaten streak of 34 matches.
Looking forward, Arsenal will continue their Premier League campaign against Fulham this Sunday, followed by a Champions League clash against Monaco on December 11.
In summary, this match not only highlighted Arsenal’s growing strength and resilience but also showcased the effectiveness of their set-piece strategy, paving the way for what could be an exciting season ahead. As the team builds confidence, fans can be hopeful for continued success both in the league and across other competitions.