Premier League: Arsenal overpowers Manchester United

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Premier League: Arsenal overpowers Manchester United

Premier League: Arsenal overpowers Manchester United

Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, arrived at the Emirates Stadium with high hopes. However, Arsenal demonstrated the gap that still exists between the two teams, securing a 2-0 victory through their expertise in set-pieces.

Ruben Amorim’s challenge

Ruben Amorim, in his fourth match as Manchester United’s manager, faced his first major test. A win would have marked a third consecutive victory for his team. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, unbeaten at home and coming off two high-scoring wins, presented a formidable challenge. Arteta stuck with his 4-3-3 formation, while Amorim chose a 3-4-3 setup, featuring Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho supporting Rasmus Højlund. The match began with both sides battling fiercely.

Photos: Arsenal/Manchester United/DR

Arsenal’s set-piece dominance

Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear chances from open play. Missing Gabriel Magalhães due to injury, they relied heavily on set-pieces. Thomas Partey missed an early header (8th minute), and Gabriel Martinelli’s effort went wide after a corner scramble. Manchester United, adhering to Amorim’s tactical plan, managed to resist Arsenal’s pressure but created few chances, with Rasmus Højlund often isolated in attack. Their best opportunity came from a poorly cleared corner by Jakub Kiwior, allowing Diogo Dalot to shoot wide (43rd minute).

Unconventional goal by William Saliba

The first half saw only five shots, the lowest in the Premier League this season. Arsenal increased the pressure in the second half and were rewarded from a corner. Declan Rice’s delivery was headed in by Jurrien Timber, despite a push on Rasmus Højlund (1-0, 54th minute). Ruben Amorim responded by introducing fresh players: Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, and Leny Yoro. The match continued to be defined by set-pieces, with Matthijs de Ligt denied by a superb save from David Raya after a Bruno Fernandes free-kick (67th minute).

Photos: Arsenal/Manchester United/DR

Arsenal secures the win

Amad Diallo’s introduction gave Manchester United a boost, but Arsenal remained dangerous from corners. William Saliba scored in an unusual manner, using his backside after a header from Thomas Partey at the far post (2-0, 73rd minute). Ruben Amorim could only watch as the gap between his team and Arsenal became evident. Talent and time are what the Portuguese manager needs. With this victory, Arsenal closed the gap to seven points behind Liverpool, who drew in a thrilling match at Newcastle. In the other 9:15 PM match, Aston Villa finally bounced back against Brentford after seven winless games, with goals from Aaron Ramsey, Ollie Watkins, and Matty Cash in the first half. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back after the break.