Goals from two corners earned Ruben Amorim his first Premier League defeat as Manchester United were defeated 2-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
After being frustrated by United in the first half, the hosts found the breakthrough when Jurrien Timber slotted Declan Rice's corner past Andre Onana in the 54th minute.
Arsenal doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time from the other end when Bukayo Saka's back-post throw was headed back by Thomas Partey, with William Saliba providing the finishing touch.
Kai Havertz almost put the hosts ahead, but was thwarted by Onana, while substitute Mikel Merino also almost scored from a corner moments later.
Despite the win, Arsenal dropped to third place after Chelsea's 5-1 thrashing of Southampton, but they closed the gap on leaders Liverpool to seven points, while United are 11th.
BIG WIN IN N5 pic.twitter.com/tS7QJkbGbu
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2024
Data Debrief: Corner Kings
Arsenal are known for the threat they have from set pieces, especially corners, and that weapon proved crucial in securing a much-needed win to keep their title hopes alive.
The Gunners have now scored more goals from corners (22) than any other team in the Premier League since the start of last season, with both of Wednesday's goals coming this way. Ten of them have opened the score in a match, which is also a high figure in this period.
It was also Rice's lucky 50th Premier League appearance for Arsenal after scoring the assist for the opener. Since the start of last season, no player has scored more assists from set plays than Rice (seven, tied with Saka).
For Amorim, meanwhile, he suffered his first league defeat since December 2023 (Sporting CP 2-3 Vitoria Guimaraes), with the defeat in the Emirates ending a 34-match unbeaten run for the Portuguese coach in the league competition (W31 D3).
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