Arsenal moved closer to Premier League leaders Liverpool with a crucial 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday, thanks to two expertly taken goals from set-pieces.

The Gunners capitalized on a dominant second half to cut the gap to Liverpool to just seven points, following the Reds’ dramatic 3-3 draw with Newcastle earlier in the evening.

Timber and Saliba Seal the Win

William Saliba Sealed the Win for Arsenal

Arsenal were far from their best in the first half, but their dead-ball expertise came to the fore after the break.

Jurriën Timber opened the scoring in the 54th minute, heading home from a well-delivered Declan Rice corner.

The Gunners doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute with a similar set-piece move: a Bukayo Saka corner was nodded back across goal by Thomas Partey, and William Saliba was there to poke it in.

The two goals were a testament to Arsenal’s continued mastery of set-pieces, an area where they’ve excelled for over a year. Despite missing their usual threat, Gabriel, who was sidelined with a thigh injury, Arsenal showed they remain formidable from dead-ball situations.

The combination of Rice, Saka, and the towering defenders created chances that United simply couldn’t handle.

Manchester United’s Strong Start Fades in the Second Half

Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United had a solid first-half performance, stifling Arsenal’s attack with a well-organized defense.

United’s midfield, with Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role, looked more composed than in previous matches.

New signing Mason Mount added energy further forward, and the defense, particularly the back three, appeared stable for much of the first 45 minutes.

However, United’s resistance crumbled in the second half. Timber’s header early in the second half took the wind out of their sails, and after Saliba’s goal, they never truly threatened to get back into the game.

Despite an effort from Matthijs De Ligt, whose header went wide in the 67th minute, United had few chances to trouble Arsenal’s defense.

Amorim Faces First Setback at Manchester United

While the result was disappointing for United, the game showed glimpses of the improvements Amorim is instilling in the team.

The Portuguese coach has been energetic on the touchline since taking charge, constantly instructing and motivating his players.

His passion and drive were evident, particularly in his one-on-one coaching of left-back Tyrell Malacia, who was tasked with dealing with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

Amorim’s tactical organization has clearly made an impact, with United playing with more purpose and structure.

However, the physical demands of the game revealed United’s fitness issues, a challenge Amorim has already highlighted as a key area for improvement.

With upcoming fixtures against Manchester City, Tottenham, and Newcastle, United will need to regroup quickly, but the loss may offer valuable lessons for their new boss.

Arteta Eyes Title Charge After Key Win

For Arsenal, the win was an important step in their pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the table. Manager Mikel Arteta,

Despite a lackluster first half, Arsenal maintained their discipline and showed the kind of maturity that could prove crucial in the tight race for the title.

The victory also allowed Arsenal to capitalize on Liverpool’s slip-up at Newcastle. While Arteta has warned that no lead is safe, Arsenal now sit just seven points behind the league leaders, with a winnable run of games before the New Year.

Matches against Fulham, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich offer the Gunners a chance to continue chipping away at Liverpool’s advantage and apply pressure as the season progresses.

Set-Piece Success Continues to Define Arsenal’s Attack

Set-pieces have been a defining feature of Arsenal’s play under Arteta, and Wednesday’s win highlighted just how dangerous they remain in these situations.

With 32 goals from dead-ball situations last season— the most in the Premier League— and 22 goals from corners since the start of the 2022-23 season, Arsenal’s ability to score from these opportunities is unparalleled.

While the Gunners were without their regular aerial threat, Gabriel, Arsenal proved that their set-piece success isn’t reliant on one player.

Timber’s header and Saliba’s goal both came from well-orchestrated corner routines, demonstrating the depth of Arsenal’s attacking strategies.

(Credit: ESPN)