LONDON, Dec 5, (V7N) - Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday, ending Ruben Amorim's unbeaten start at the helm of United and closing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool, who were held to a 3-3 draw at Newcastle. Arsenal’s win was built on their strong set-piece play, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scoring from corners in the second half.

United had frustrated Arsenal in the first half, with a cagey start and few chances created. Arsenal should have taken the lead early through Thomas Partey, but his header went wide. Gabriel Martinelli also came close with a shot from another corner. United, however, looked blunt in attack and struggled to create chances.

The second half saw Arsenal come to life, aided by a more vocal crowd. In the 54th minute, Timber opened the scoring with a header from a Declan Rice corner. Amorim responded by making several changes, bringing on Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, and giving Leny Yoro his United debut.

However, Arsenal doubled their lead in the 73rd minute. From a Bukayo Saka corner, Partey’s header at the back post hit Saliba and beat Andre Onana to make it 2-0. United had a brief scare when David Raya saved a powerful header from Matthijs de Ligt off a free-kick, but the Gunners were in control.

Amorim acknowledged that set-pieces were the key to the game, stating that they were difficult to defend against due to the number of players Arsenal can crowd into the box. Despite United's defensive adjustments, they couldn't manage to contain Arsenal's threat from corners.

The victory marked Arsenal’s third consecutive league win, while United suffered their first league defeat under Amorim since his appointment in December 2023. Arsenal are now back in form and looking to close the gap on the top of the table.