Sports Correspondent

Arsenal claimed a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with Jurriën Timber and William Saliba scoring from corners.

The win reduced the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool and handed United manager Ruben Amorim his first defeat, ending his unbeaten start at the club.

The match began in a subdued fashion, with Arsenal threatening mainly through set pieces.

Thomas Partey failed to convert a dangerous Declan Rice corner, which might have been finished by the injured Gabriel. United goalkeeper André Onana was forced to punch clear from corners twice, with Gabriel Martinelli missing the target on one occasion.

The visitors, looking to control possession and slow the game, came close to scoring before the break when Diogo Dalot dragged his shot wide from a tight angle.

Arsenal started the second half stronger, taking the lead in the 54th minute when Timber scored from another Rice corner, heading in from a tight angle. United responded soon after with a dangerous header from Matthijs de Ligt, but goalkeeper David Raya made a stunning save to keep Arsenal ahead.

The Gunners doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute. A header from Partey from a Bukayo Saka corner found Saliba, whose deflection sent the ball into the net for Arsenal’s 22nd league goal from a corner since the start of last season.

Rice came close to adding a third goal, but Mikel Merino’s header from a follow-up corner went wide. With each set piece, the crowd grew in expectation.

Arsenal held on to secure the win, capitalizing on Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle United. The victory lifted the Gunners to third place, behind Chelsea on goal difference, with 28 points from 14 games, reducing the gap to the leaders to seven points.

For United, it was a disappointing result, marking Amorim’s first loss as manager and his first league defeat since December 2023, when his former club Sporting fell to Vitória de Guimarães. United are now 11th in the table with 19 points.