Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, delivering Ruben Amorim his first loss as United’s head coach. This crucial victory moved the Gunners closer to Premier League leaders Liverpool, narrowing the gap to seven points. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from this tightly contested encounter.
Winners
1. Arsenal’s Set-Pieces
Arsenal’s dominance in dead-ball situations proved decisive. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scored from corners, highlighting the work of Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s celebrated set-piece coach. Despite United’s best efforts to thwart these opportunities, Arsenal’s meticulous planning prevailed, reinforcing their reputation as a set-piece powerhouse.
2. Tyrell Malacia
Despite Manchester United’s loss, Tyrell Malacia showcased his talent in his first appearance after a lengthy injury. Tasked with containing Bukayo Saka, the left-back delivered a composed performance, proving he can still compete at the highest level. His timely return is a positive for United, especially with Luke Shaw sidelined again.
3. The Title Race
Arsenal’s win, coupled with Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Newcastle, reignited the title race. The Gunners are now seven points behind Liverpool, with other top teams like Chelsea and Manchester City also in pursuit. Arsenal’s consistency and depth suggest they will remain serious contenders until the season’s end.
Losers
1. Man Utd’s Dead-Ball Defending
Despite extensive preparation, United struggled to cope with Arsenal’s set-piece tactics. Their failure to clear effectively led to both Arsenal goals, leaving head coach Ruben Amorim visibly frustrated on the sidelines. Improvement in this area will be crucial for United going forward.
2. Man Utd’s Rotating Attackers
United’s attacking options failed to capitalize on Arsenal’s makeshift defense, missing Gabriel Magalhães. Rasmus Højlund struggled against William Saliba, and late substitutions, including Marcus Rashford and Antony, failed to turn the tide. Questions remain about United’s attacking chemistry and efficiency.
3. Gabriel Martinelli
While Arsenal celebrated their win, Gabriel Martinelli’s form raised concerns. Despite his pace and energy, the Brazilian winger struggled to make an impact. His decision-making and execution lacked sharpness, fueling doubts about his long-term place in Arsenal’s starting XI.
SOURCE: Goal.com