Arsenal continued their impressive run of form with a 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday’s English Premiership match. The victory marked the Gunners’ fourth consecutive win in all competitions and handed Ruben Amorim his first defeat as United head coach. The win also moved Arsenal up to third in the League table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
The Emirates Stadium was electric, with the Arsenal creating a lively atmosphere from the start. The Gunners were looking to extend their winning streak, while United were at least trying to maintain their unbeaten start under Amorim.
Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard.
Manchester United: André Onana, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial.
How the Match Unfolded
The first half was a closely contested affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Arsenal threatened from set pieces, but United goalkeeper André Onana was equal to the task. The visitors nearly took the lead before the break, but Diogo Dalot’s effort was dragged wide from a tight angle.
The Gunners were sharper after the restart and took the lead in the 54th minute through Jurrien Timber’s header from a Declan Rice corner. The goal showed Arsenal’s set-piece strategy was working, which has been a key factor in their success this season.
United nearly levelled shortly after, but David Raya produced a superb fingertip save to claw away Matthijs de Ligt’s goalbound header. The save was crucial in the game, as it denied United a potential equalizer and allowed Arsenal to maintain their momentum.
The standards we demanded ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 5, 2024
Enjoy the highlights from tonight's 2-0 victory over Manchester United 👇 pic.twitter.com/8mcL5tHIr2
Arsenal sealed the win in the 73rd minute when Thomas Partey’s header from a Bukayo Saka delivery bounced off William Saliba and into the net. The goal was a well-deserved reward for Arsenal’s dominance and sealed the win for the Gunners.
Post-Match Analysis
Arsenal’s set-piece proved to be the difference between the two teams. Since the start of last season, the Gunners have scored 22 league goals from corners, indicative of their ability to capitalize on dead-ball situations.
On the other hand, United struggled to create chances and was ultimately punished for their lack of creativity. The visitors’ best chance came through Matthijs de Ligt’s header, but David Raya’s superb save denied them a potential equalizer.
The win is a milestone for Arsenal, extending their streak to four games now. The Gunners are now third in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
What the Coaches Said
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance: “We were very solid, very consistent, and we created enough chances to win the game.” He also discussed the importance of his team’s set-piece strategy, saying, “We work a lot on set pieces, and it’s an area where we can create a lot of danger.“
Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, rued his team’s lack of creativity, saying, “We didn’t create enough chances, and when we did, we didn’t take them.” But in the spirit of sportsmanship, he had kind words for Arsenal, admitting, “They are a powerful team on set pieces, and we knew that before the game.“
Player of the Match
Declan Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s win. He assisted Jurrien Timber’s goal and controlled the tempo throughout. The young man’s performance in the midfield is becoming indispensable for Arsenal’s game plans. For that, he was voted the POTM.
What Next
Arsenal will look to extend their winning streak when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Manchester United, meanwhile, will have to bounce back from their defeat as they’re slipping in the League table. They need to square up against their host, West Ham United, on Sunday.
EPL Top Six Table
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