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In a match marked by set pieces, Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
The first half concluded without any goals, raising doubts about whether Mikel Arteta’s squad would maintain their title challenge.
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However, the concerns were lifted when Jurrien Timber scored in the 54th minute, heading in after a set piece.
Timber skillfully navigated to the front post to connect with a delivery that slipped past Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
With United failing to regroup, William Saliba added to the score, finding the net after Thomas Partey redirected the ball back across the goal, allowing Saliba to finish with a subtle touch.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies assessed the Gunners’ performance.
DAVID RAYA – 7/10
Had a game marked by subpar footwork, misplacing typically accurate clearances.
Nonetheless, he made a remarkable fingertip save to thwart De Ligt’s looping header.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7
Demonstrated his value as a key squad member with a robust and determined defensive performance after stepping in from the bench.
His only error was a momentary lapse that led to a foul on Amad, resulting in an unnecessary yellow card.
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WILLIAM SALIBA – 9
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Despite a perceived absence of his defensive partner, he remained calm under pressure and made functional runs upfield.
His efforts were rewarded with a goal to establish a 2-0 lead, as Partey’s header from a corner redirected off him into the net.
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JAKUB KIWIOR – 8
Faced physical challenges from Hojlund during goal kicks and long balls, sometimes allowing the ball to bounce instead of going for the header as Gabriel would.
Yet, he improved as the match progressed, contributing significantly defensively, even receiving praise from Saliba.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
His partnership with Saka on the right was less seamless than in previous weeks, but he showed courage in winning the header that set up the opening goal in the second half.
Timber later shifted to left-back, showcasing his versatility and importance to Arteta and Arsenal.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Missed an easy chance from a near-post corner early in the game and struggled with errant passes that resulted in frequent turnovers.
He transitioned to right-back with 20 minutes remaining and contributed to Saliba’s goal with another header.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Struggled to make an impact initially but turned it around after halftime, delivering the whipped corner that led to Timber’s goal.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Acted as a leader during the match, though he lacked his usual flair. His pressing and work rate remained pivotal.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Failed to convert a promising chance from close range after a defensive lapse by United. He pitched in defensively in the second half, aiding Zinchenko against Amad.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Continuously pressured Malacia with his runs, keeping him on the back foot while aiding Saliba’s goal with a perfectly placed corner.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
Maintained a relatively quiet performance overall, mainly due to insufficient service, although he showcased good pressing and tussled with De Ligt and Maguire. Missed a critical chance late in the match.
SUBSTITUTES:
MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7
Immediately made an impact, nearly scoring from a corner, surprising everyone by narrowly missing the target.
LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6
His arrival brought energy to the left flank, creating several potential scoring opportunities.
