Arsenal set-piece mastery hands Amorim first defeat
Arsenal’s dominant display underlined their growing confidence as they strengthened their position in third and trimmed Liverpool’s lead at the top.
Ruben Amorim suffered his first Premier League defeat as Manchester United manager on 4 december, as Arsenal capitalised on set-piece weaknesses to secure a 2-0 victory at the Emirates.
Second-half goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba ensured a fourth consecutive league win for Mikel Arteta's side, who narrowed the gap to leaders Liverpool to seven points.
Despite United's cautious approach, Arsenal's threat from set pieces was evident from the start.
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Thomas Partey missed a golden opportunity from a corner in the first half, a warning sign that the visitors failed to heed.
Arsenal's breakthrough came early in the second half when Timber rose to glance home a header, breaking the deadlock.
Moments later, Partey redeemed himself by inadvertently assisting Saliba, his header deflecting off the defender's back to double the hosts' lead.
United, heavily rotated and seemingly content to play for a goalless draw, offered little in attack and slipped to 11th in the table.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's dominant display underlined their growing confidence as they strengthened their position in third and trimmed Liverpool's lead at the top.
