Arsenal moved to within seven points of leaders Liverpool after Jurien Timber and William Saliba scored from corners to hand Ruben Amorim his first defeat as Manchester United manager.
Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle opened the door for Arsenal to close the gap, and after a frustrating first half against Amorim’s well-drilled side, their set-piece prowess proved crucial. Proven.
Timber, who made the breakthrough after half-time in the absence of the injured Gabriel Magales, scored Arsenal’s first goal after taking Declan Rice’s pass at the near post.
Saliba headed the ball across goal from Thomas Partey as Saka directed a delivery towards the back post from the other end, where it bounced off the back of his team-mate.
William Saliba celebrates after scoring against Manchester United.
Saliba’s second goal took Arsenal’s tally of seven set-piece goals this season, their highest in the Premier League, to the point where successive deliveries caused chaos in the Manchester United box and Mikel Merino headed narrowly wide when unmarked. He could have scored a lot of goals. Another Saka Center.
Arsenal are indebted to David Raya, who blocked Matthias de Ligt’s header with one hand ahead of Saliba’s goal. The Gunners’ goalkeeper later brought down substitute Anthony after a clever Manchester United set-piece routine to avoid a nerve-wracking finale.
Amorim, who made six changes to the side that beat Everton last time out, successfully dismantled the Gunners in the first half but could not withstand the pressure from the hosts after the break as Arsenal took advantage of Liverpool’s dropping points at St James’ Park. To boost their title hopes.
Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Southampton means Arsenal drop to third behind the Blues on goal difference but are closer to Arne Slot’s side. Manchester United fell to 11th place.
