Arsenal moved inside seven factors of Premier League leaders Liverpool as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scored from corners to safe a 2-0 win over Manchester United.
Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle opened the door for Arsenal to shut the hole and, after a irritating first half in opposition to Ruben Amorim’s well-drilled aspect, their set-piece prowess proved decisive.
Within the absence of the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, it was Timber who made the breakthrough after half-time when he flicked residence a depraved Declan Rice supply on the near-post for his first Arsenal aim.
Saliba doubled their lead when Saka directed a supply from the alternative aspect in direction of the again publish, the place Thomas Partey headed the ball throughout aim and it bounced in off his team-mate’s bottom.
Saliba’s second took Arsenal’s tally of set-piece targets to seven this season and so they may have had extra, with a succession of deliveries inflicting chaos within the Manchester United field and Mikel Merino heading narrowly extensive when unmarked from one other Saka centre.
Arsenal have been indebted to David Raya for his wonderful, one-handed save from Matthijs de Ligt earlier than Saliba’s aim. The Gunners goalkeeper later made a pointy cease from substitute Antony following a intelligent Manchester United free-kick routine to keep away from a nervy finale.
Amorim, who made six adjustments to the aspect that beat Everton, had efficiently nullified the Gunners within the first half however they might not stand up to the hosts’ stress after the break as Arsenal boosted capitalised on Liverpool’s dropped factors at St James’ Park to spice up their title hopes.
