Arsenal capitalized on Liverpool’s dropped points at Newcastle, narrowing the gap to seven points at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both from set-pieces, secured the win as the Gunners boosted their title hopes.
With Liverpool’s earlier 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park providing an opportunity, Arsenal initially struggled to break down Ruben Amorim’s well-organized United side. However, their dead-ball expertise proved decisive after a frustrating first half.
Jurrien Timber, deputizing for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, opened the scoring early in the second half. The defender flicked Declan Rice’s dangerous near-post delivery into the net, marking his first goal for Arsenal and igniting the Emirates crowd.
William Saliba doubled the lead soon after. Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint cross from the opposite flank was headed back across goal by Thomas Partey and deflected in off Saliba. The somewhat fortunate finish highlighted Arsenal’s strength at set-pieces, bringing their tally of goals from such situations this season to seven.
Arsenal could have added to their tally, with another Saka cross finding Mikel Merino unmarked, but the midfielder headed just wide. Despite the scoreline, David Raya was pivotal for the hosts, producing a stunning one-handed save from Matthijs de Ligt before Saliba’s goal and later denying substitute Antony to prevent a nervy finale.
United, who made six changes to the side that beat Everton, had held firm during a disciplined first half but could not withstand Arsenal’s pressure after the break. Ruben Amorim’s men struggled to create significant chances, and their defense was undone by Arsenal’s sharpness from set plays.
Mikel Arteta’s side seized the opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool at the summit, delivering a resilient second-half performance to keep their title ambitions alive.
