Arsenal extended their dominance over Manchester United with a convincing 2-0 win at the Emirates, marking their fourth consecutive victory over the Red Devils across all competitions. Despite the spotlight on Arsenal’s attacking stars, it was defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba who made the decisive contributions, both scoring from corner situations.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Prowess
The Gunners have established themselves as a set-piece powerhouse this season, leading the Premier League with seven goals from such scenarios. This strength was on full display tonight, as both goals stemmed from corner kicks. Timber opened the scoring before Saliba doubled the lead in unusual fashion, as a Bukayo Saka corner deflected off his back and into the net.
Rashford’s Costly Mistake
Saliba’s goal was a direct result of an error by Marcus Rashford, who had come on as a substitute just minutes earlier. Under pressure from Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, Rashford attempted an audacious flick to clear the ball but instead conceded a corner in what has been described as “ludicrous fashion.” Arsenal capitalized immediately, effectively sealing the match.
Amorim’s Frustration
Rúben Amorim, who recently replaced Erik ten Hag as United’s manager, was visibly frustrated on the touchline, particularly with Rashford’s mistake. Critics, including journalist Samuel Luckhurst, questioned the forward’s decision-making, emphasizing how costly lapses like these have plagued United’s season.
United’s Struggles Continue
This defeat compounds a difficult campaign for United, now with five league losses and sitting 11th in the table. With only 18 points from 14 matches, they are seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, their next opponents in what promises to be a challenging Manchester derby.
City’s Resurgence
Meanwhile, Manchester City returned to winning ways after an uncharacteristic seven-game winless streak, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0. Pep Guardiola’s side seems to have regained momentum, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter against their city rivals next weekend.
For Arsenal, the win solidifies their status as serious contenders, showcasing their adaptability and resilience even when goals come from unlikely sources. For United, the result underscores the uphill battle Amorim faces in turning their season around.