Arsenal continued to prove why they are one of the favorites in the Premier League. With a sound 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta's team took another important step toward stability this season. Goals by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both from corner kicks, crowned an organized performance and reaffirmed the Gunners' dominance over their rivals.
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Arsenal patient and lethal in the second half
Despite all their early dominance, the first half showed that Manchester United came prepared to spoil the party. Arsenal started pressing but found it difficult to break through Ruben Amorim's well-organized defense. Arteta was straightforward when analyzing the balance of the first half: "I think we had to adjust some things for the second half. The way we were dominant and convincing after that was very positive."
The adjustment came right after halftime. In the 54th minute, Declan Rice delivered a perfect corner to the near post. Timber attentive and opportunistic, managed to redirect it into the back of the net to score his first goal for Arsenal. Arteta highlighted that set-pieces are the team's work: "We constantly work on this. We want to be very dangerous and effective from all angles and exploit the opponent's weaknesses."
Another weapon in set-pieces
The second goal, in the 73rd minute, sealed Arsenal's dominance. Bukayo Saka crossed to the far post, where Thomas Partey headed it back into the danger zone, and after a deflection from Saliba, the ball found the net. That marked Arsenal's 22nd goal from set-pieces since last season-a number Arteta does not see as coincidental: "I think last year we scored more goals from set-pieces than in any other season. We continue evolving in this area."
Saliba, besides being a pillar in defence, showed how defenders can be decisive in attack too. A final blow to a Manchester United that was never really able to react.
United put in a performance full of ups and downs
As for Manchester United, the night was characterized by defensive lapses and an inability to capitalize on the few chances they had. The best chance fell to Diogo Dalot in the first half, but his curling shot brushed the post.
Coach Ruben Amorim suffered his first Premier League defeat since taking charge of the Red Devils. The Portuguese's 34-match unbeaten streak was brought to a close, a run that dated back to his time at Sporting.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's evolution
For Arteta, the success against United was not just about tactics or individual performance but also about the collective resilience of the squad: "The will to win is there. They try, and we do our best to help them overcome challenges. We faced tough opponents, but what matters is to keep responding well and finding ways to win."
The coach also praised the team’s mentality, especially after overcoming tough moments early in the season: "It’s a crazy schedule. We’ll need everyone in the squad to be mentally strong because challenges come every three days."
Impact on the table and upcoming challenges
With the victory, Arsenal achieved four consecutive Premier League wins over Manchester United for the first time in their history. More importantly, the team moved closer to the top of the table, reducing the gap to leaders Liverpool to seven points. Despite this, Arteta prefers not to focus on the team's position: "We don't think about where we are in the table. What matters is the next match. That's how we find consistency and keep evolving."
The Gunners are next set to face Fulham, with Arteta already stressing how the focus and intensity need to continue if their upward trajectory is to remain on course.
A celebration at the Emirates
It was a night that the 500th competitive game for Arsenal at the Emirates could not have asked for. Arteta summed it up best when he said, "It's a very special night. Celebrating this milestone with a convincing victory means a lot to everyone at the club."