Arsenal moved within seven points of leaders Liverpool as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scored from corners to inflict Ruben Amorim’s first defeat as Manchester United boss.
Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle opened the door for Arsenal to close the gap and, after a frustrating first half against Amorim’s well-drilled side, their set-piece prowess proved decisive.
In the absence of the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, it was Timber who made the breakthrough after half-time when he flicked home a wicked Declan Rice delivery at the near-post for his first Arsenal goal.
Saliba doubled their lead when Saka directed a delivery from the opposite side towards the back post, where Thomas Partey headed the ball across goal and it bounced in off his team-mate’s backside.
Saliba’s second took Arsenal’s tally of set-piece goals to seven this season, the highest in the Premier League, and they could have had more, with a succession of deliveries causing chaos in the Manchester United box and Mikel Merino heading narrowly wide when unmarked from another Saka centre.
Arsenal were indebted to David Raya for an outstanding, one-handed save from a Matthijs de Ligt header before Saliba’s goal. The Gunners goalkeeper later made a sharp stop from substitute Antony following a clever Manchester United set-piece routine to avoid a nervy finale.
Amorim, who made six changes to the team that beat Everton last time out, had successfully nullified the Gunners in the first half but his side could not withstand the hosts’ pressure after the break as Arsenal capitalised on Liverpool’s dropped points at St James’ Park to boost their title hopes.
Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Southampton means Arsenal actually drop below the Blues on goal difference, in third, but closer to Arne Slot’s side. Manchester United drop to 11th.
