Arsenal Destroyed Manchester United with Their Trademark Move. No Counter to It

The corners are Kryptonite for opponents of Arteta's team. Arsenal comfortably defeated Manchester United at the Emirates. The Gunners’ signature move worked perfectly.

Arteta and Amorim made some notable changes to their squads: the first introduced Kiwior, Zinchenko, Partey, and Martinelli, while the second brought on Malacia, Hojlund, Garnacho, and Mount. However, regardless of the lineup, Arsenal remained the favorite. And that’s how it played out. While Manchester United had more possession, they almost conceded early after a corner from Rice to the near post — Partey was just unlucky. Later, another corner resulted in Martinelli missing from close range.

A goal did come in the first half: Onana poorly cleared the ball, and Havertz set Martinelli up for a shot on goal — but it was offside. The only real threat United posed was a powerful shot from Dalot that missed the target. The football was rather dull, cautious, and scrappy. Compare the ratio of shots and fouls in the first 45 minutes: 3 shots to 2 and 7 fouls to 6, respectively. The imbalance in fouls is clear. The expected goals (xG) statistic was also bleak: 0.33 to 0.08 in favor of Arsenal.

Amorim realized something needed to change, so he replaced Malacia with Diallo at halftime. Arsenal responded by stepping up the pressure and quickly moving forward to convert another corner: Rice curled it to the near post, and Timber jumped highest and scored his debut goal in England. This set-piece has already become a trademark for the Gunners.

Right after, Saka was given so much space that he could have lain down on the grass for a nap. However, he didn’t capitalize on the chance — his low shot to the near post was easily saved by Onana. In the 59th minute, a desperate Manchester United made three more substitutions, bringing on Yoro, Rashford, and Zirkzee. It worked — United soon created their best chance of the match. But it wasn’t thanks to any of those three — it was Zinchenko who made a careless mistake and gifted the ball to Diallo. Zinchenko had to foul near the edge of his own box, receiving a yellow card. Raya then had to save from De Ligt’s header following a Bruno Fernandes cross.

But do you remember whose set pieces are the best in the Premier League? Saka took a corner to the far post, Partey headed it back across goal, and Saliba bundled the ball into the net. Arsenal's opponents should consider signing a petition to ban corners for Arteta’s team.

Another corner — Merino missed his chance. Havertz tested Onana’s reflexes with a shot to the near post. Arsenal took 13 corners, each one dangerous. It’s almost surprising they only scored twice. But even that was enough for Amorim to suffer his first defeat in England.

After a sleepy first half, the Londoners were comprehensively focused in the second, showing that Manchester United didn’t need to bother coming: the xG ratio increased to 2.33 versus 0.31. Arsenal also had 14 shots to United’s 5, which was a strong performance. Meanwhile, Liverpool dropped points against Newcastle (3-3). The Merseysiders are now seven points ahead — chasing continues.

Published by Patrick Jane
05.12.2024