The 500th competitive men’s match at Emirates Stadium was a memorable occasion, as Arsenal secured a notable victory over Manchester United, achieving their fourth consecutive win against the Red Devils for the first time in history. Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba proved decisive, showcasing the team’s ability to capitalize on set pieces once again.
Timber opened the scoring just eight minutes into the second half, connecting with a Declan Rice corner to net his first goal for Arsenal. Later, Saliba’s fortuitous strike in the 73rd minute doubled the lead and left Manchester United with little chance of mounting a comeback. This victory marked a significant moment in Arsenal’s pursuit of the top position in the league, reducing the gap at the top to seven points while extending their winning streak to four games since the international break.
The first half was characterized by a cautious approach from both sides, with Arsenal unable to break the deadlock despite an impressive record of 13 goals in their last three matches. While early opportunities arose, including a disallowed goal from Kai Havertz and a missed header from Thomas Partey, the teams entered halftime without any goals. Notably, United struggled to create chances, only registering a shot late in the half that was ultimately off-target.
The game shifted dramatically after halftime when Timber’s timely goal boosted Arsenal’s confidence. Although United attempted to respond, Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya delivered an impressive save to maintain their lead. Ultimately, a second goal from Saliba solidified the win. Arsenal’s set-piece prowess has become a defining feature of their game, as exemplified by their impressive statistics; they have scored 22 goals from corners since the last season.
This victory was particularly significant for manager Ruben Amorim, as it marked his first league defeat since December 2023, ending an impressive 34-game unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Manchester United faced a challenging situation, conceding two goals from corners for the first time since January 2014.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will continue their campaign with a match against Fulham, and the excitement will ramp up with a Champions League clash against Monaco soon after. The team’s recent form and ability to perform in crucial matches offer plenty of reasons for optimism as the season progresses.
Overall, this match not only served as a celebration of Arsenal’s historical milestone but also highlighted the team’s growing momentum and effectiveness in both attacking and defensive strategies, promising more thrilling performances in the future.