United Beyond Manchester

Set pieces are a critical aspect of the game despite being seen as second-rate by some teams. Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United clearly showed how much corners can affect a match. Goals by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba doomed United despite improvements in defensive shape and possession.

Match Flow

Manchester United was the better side for much of the first half. Arsenal players found it hard to break down United’s midfield and backline, leaving Mikel Arteta frustrated on the touchline.

Chances were hard to come by, and each side created one decent opportunity. Thomas Partey got free inside the six-yard box on a corner kick for Arsenal, but his header attempt went wide. For United, Dalot picked up a rebound on the right side of the box, but his powerful effort flashed wide of David Raya’s goal.

Arsenal came out for the second half ready to attack and put United under pressure quickly. After nearly conceding on a corner in the first half, a 53rd-minute set piece undid the Reds.

Declan Rice placed a ball expertly on the head of Jurrien Timber at the near post, and the Dutch defender flicked the ball into Andre Onana’s net.

Matthijs De Ligt came close for United in the 67th minute from a header, but Raya was equal to it and pushed the attempt wide. It was the first save forced by the Reds in the match.

The Gunners doubled their lead off another corner in the 73rd minute. Thomas Partey ran free on the back post and headed the ball into the backside of William Saliba to give Arteta’s side an important second.

After the second goal went in, the hosts controlled the game, nearly adding to the lead on several occasions.

With the 2-0 win, Arsenal gained two points on Liverpool, who sit in 1st.

Analysis

Ruben Amorim and Andreas Georgson have work to do on defending set-pieces. Missed assignments and lapses in concentration plagued United and gave Arsenal their two goals.

In attack, Manchester United was often slow in the build-up, allowing Arsenal defenders to recover. Multiple times in the first half, United players opted to stop and pass back rather than take on a Gunner outside back.

Ruben Amorim will be pleased with how well his players are adapting to his tactics. Mikel Arteta has one of the strongest attacking teams in the league, yet his side often found themselves frustrated by United’s defensive setup. The adjustments made by the new coach will require time to take full effect, but there have already been noticeable improvements.

What’s Next?

Manchester United will host Nottingham Forest on Saturday at Old Trafford before traveling to Viktoria Plzen for a Europa League match on Thursday. Forest has been a surprise in the Premier League this season, currently sitting in 6th place. Meanwhile, Plzen is just one spot behind United in the Europa League at 13th.