Arsenal's Jurrien Timber scored the opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium, London, on Wednesday. — Reuters

Arsenal showcased their set-piece prowess to defeat Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday, halting Ruben Amorim's unbeaten streak since taking over at Old Trafford and narrowing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. United managed to frustrate the home side during a cautious first half, but Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock from a corner after the interval, followed by William Saliba's similar feat. The win places Arsenal in third position in the Premier League, behind Chelsea on goal difference and seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who drew 3-3 at Newcastle.

"A special day, 500 games in this stadium. We scored two set pieces, but we could've scored from open play many more," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told the BBC. "We lost two key players in our backline but the team are still responding. The game opened up a bit and we looked a real threat. Very pleased. It's a joy to play in this stadium with that energy, it's something incredible."

Amorim made six changes to the team that comfortably beat Everton 4-0 over the weekend, omitting in-form players Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford from his starting lineup. Gabriel's absence was notable in Arsenal's defense, joining Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori on the injury list. Amorim traveled to London with two wins and a draw from his first three matches in all competitions, fully aware that Arsenal would be his toughest test yet.

Arteta's men should have taken an early lead when Thomas Partey's header from a corner went wide—serving as a warning to United. Gabriel Martinelli narrowly missed from another corner midway through the first half as Arsenal continued to pose a threat from set pieces. United were content to wait for their opportunities but appeared blunt in attack.

The game gained momentum at the start of the second half, with Diallo replacing Tyrell Malacia for United. Fueled by a more vocal crowd, Arsenal increased the pressure on United, finally breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute when Timber headed his first goal for the club from a Declan Rice near-post corner. Amorim swiftly responded, bringing on forwards Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee and handing French teenage defender Leny Yoro his United debut.

Diallo won a free-kick after impressive work on the right in the 66th minute, and Arsenal were thankful to goalkeeper David Raya, who pushed away a powerful Matthijs de Ligt header from Bruno Fernandes's free-kick. Arsenal doubled their lead from a Bukayo Saka corner in the 73rd minute when Partey's header at the back post hit Saliba and beat Andre Onana. Arsenal have scored more goals from corners—22—than any other side in the Premier League since the start of last season.

Onana made a good save from a Kai Havertz shot as Arsenal threatened to extend their lead. The Gunners, who had a dip last month, are now back on track, securing their third consecutive league win. Amorim, who had warned of the "storm coming," now has a clearer understanding of the task ahead. It was the former Sporting Lisbon manager's first league defeat since December 2023.

"The set pieces changed the game," Amorim said. "We could've been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box. Until the set pieces, the game didn't have too many opportunities for both sides. The set pieces killed the game. They can put a lot of players near the goalkeeper and it's almost impossible to fight for the ball, but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better."

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