Arsenal celebrated their 500th game at the Emirates Stadium in style with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester United, narrowing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to seven points.
Mikel Arteta’s men once again demonstrated their dominance in set-piece situations, with goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba securing all three points.
The win also marked a significant milestone for Arteta, who became the first Arsenal manager to secure four consecutive league wins against United.
Under the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s proficiency from corners and free-kicks continues to be a key weapon in their arsenal.
Even with the pre-match loss of Gabriel to injury, the Gunners showed resilience and tactical awareness, with Timber and Saliba stepping up to deliver when it mattered most.
Arteta, speaking after the game, was full of praise for his team’s adaptability and execution. “It’s a special day. It’s 500 games in this incredible stadium, and we wanted to celebrate against a side that we have a lot of history with,” he said. “The way we played in the second half, the goals we scored, and the clean sheet—it was incredible.”
The first half saw Manchester United hold firm defensively, frustrating Arsenal and restricting their attacking opportunities to a few half-chances. However, Arteta’s tactical tweaks at halftime breathed new life into his side.
“We had to adjust one or two things,” Arteta explained. “We were giving away too many simple balls and not attacking the spaces effectively. In the second half, we dominated, the game opened up, and we looked like a real threat in the final third.”
The improvements were immediate and impactful. Arsenal’s increased tempo and sharper passing dismantled United’s defensive organization, culminating in the two decisive goals from set-pieces.
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Despite their attacking prowess, Arsenal’s defensive performance was equally commendable. The backline, reshuffled due to injuries, remained composed and disciplined throughout. Stand-in defenders Jakub Kiwior and Alex Zinchenko slotted seamlessly into the setup, earning Arteta’s approval.
“I’m very happy because we lost two massive players for us in the backline, but the team really responded,” Arteta noted.
Manchester United’s best chance came from a late free-kick, but Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya delivered a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet.
Set-Piece Masterclass: Arsenal’s Secret Weapon
Arsenal’s ability to score from set-pieces has become a defining feature of their play under Arteta. The Gunners’ reliance on structured, well-rehearsed routines has added an extra dimension to their attack.
Arteta described the performance as “one of the best” in terms of set-piece execution. “The team has to have the capacity to score from many different situations. Today we did it with two set-pieces, and I’m very pleased with that,” he added.
The contributions of Timber and Saliba showcased Arsenal’s depth and versatility. These moments of brilliance not only secured the win but also underscored the importance of having multiple goal-scoring avenues.
Three Wins on the Trot: Arsenal’s Momentum Builds
The victory over Manchester United marked Arsenal’s third consecutive league win, the first time they’ve achieved this feat this season. This growing momentum couldn’t come at a better time as the Gunners look to mount a serious challenge for the title.
“We have to do our business, continue to play at the level we’re playing, and continue to win matches,” Arteta said. “What the rest do, we’ll see.”
With Liverpool maintaining a strong lead at the top, Arsenal must sustain this level of performance to keep the pressure on.
Arteta’s achievement of becoming the first Arsenal manager to win four consecutive league games against Manchester United is a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership.
“Ok, thank you so much!” Arteta said modestly when informed of the record.
The accomplishment highlights the progress Arsenal have made under his stewardship. From struggling to compete with the league’s elite to consistently delivering against top opposition, Arteta has transformed the Gunners into genuine contenders.
As the season progresses, Arsenal’s focus remains on closing the gap to Liverpool while fending off competition from other top-four hopefuls. The win against Manchester United serves as both a confidence boost and a reminder of the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders.
Arteta’s tactical flexibility, combined with the team’s growing consistency, bodes well for their title ambitions. The emphasis on set-pieces, defensive organization, and fluid attacking play reflects a side that is both well-drilled and adaptable.
