Arsenal reduced Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a crucial 2-0 win against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. After Fabian Schar’s late equaliser denied Liverpool victory at St James’ Park, Mikel Arteta’s men were offered the chance to inch closer to the summit.
And the Gunners did not disappoint with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scoring from corners in the second half to provide the hosts with a win that kept their title hopes alive.
That provided better stability to United’s back line and frustrated the Gunners who created very little from open play. Instead, their threat came from set pieces and corners in particular. The breakthrough came in the second half as Declan Rice found Timber at the near post where a glancing header beat Andre Onana to put the hosts ahead.
A second corner brought the second goal. Bukayo Saka curled this delivery to the back post where Thomas Partey nodded the ball into the back of Saliba to double Arsenal’s lead. Amorim attempted to changed the flow of the game and swiftly introduced substitutes but the damage was done.
Relive the action from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Manchester United LIVE
- REPORT: Arsenal’s dangerous weapon provides first real twist in Premier League title race
- FT Arsenal defeat Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League
- 73’ GOAL! Saliba scores from another set piece (ARS 2-0 MUN)
- 67’ SAVE! Raya denies De Ligt an equaliser (ARS 1-0 MUN)
- 53’ GOAL! Timber glances in a header from a corner (ARS 1-0 MUN)
- 4’ DISALLOWED! Martinelli scores after a Havertz offload but the striker was offside in the build up (ARS 0-0 MUN)
Arsenal FC 2 - 0 Manchester United FC
Arsenal’s dangerous weapon provides first real twist in Premier League title race
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:52 , Miguel DelaneyA turn of Jurrien Timber’s head, and maybe a first real twist in the title race. Arsenal’s 2-0 win followed enough twists on the night itself. From a position at half-time where it looked like Liverpool would go 10 points clear, Mikel Arteta’s side have instead cut that lead to seven points. It feels like the first time that the leaders have been stripped back in months, while Arsenal are now building a real momentum.
They look like they can start to fly into one of those long unbeaten runs, even if this victory came from some of their earthier qualities. There weren’t quite the multi-angled attacks of the five-goal wins over Sporting and then West Ham United. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United wouldn’t allow that, for their part. Arsenal instead beat them with what has become a real weapon of choice, as they scored twice from set-pieces.
Arsenal’s dangerous weapon provides first real twist in Premier League title race
Arsenal’s corners are unstoppable - but don’t call them Stoke just yet
00:51 , Jamie BraidwoodNot for the first time, there is panic in the Manchester United defence. Bukayo Saka is walking towards the corner and Nicolas Jover is positioned on the touchline. Rasmus Hojlund is holding onto William Saliba as if he is grasping onto a log while tumbling down a rapidly moving river. The Emirates senses the opportunity and understands what is happening: there is a queue of towering Arsenal players stationed at the back post and the United defenders are wearing expressions of grave concern. Suddenly, in a box of moving shadows, danger lay around every corner, every decoy became a target.
Seconds later, Ruben Amorim was in the dugout rubbing his face, as what should have been a cohesive, organised block unravelled into strands. “The set pieces changed the game,” Amorim admitted. On a night where Arsenal initially didn’t look like scoring from open play, Mikel Arteta’s side won due to two goals from corners to move within seven points of Liverpool. In all of this, United became the latest victims of Arsenal’s not-so-secret weapon.
Arsenal’s corners are unstoppable - but don’t call them Stoke just yet
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice talking to Amazon Prime:
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:33 , Mike Jones“What a night. Manchester United have a new manager so we knew it would be a test. We stuck to the game plan and we could’ve had three or four.
“When you go up for a corner it’s a chance to score a goal. To score both of them from corners, [set-piece coach] Nico [Jover] will be buzzing and I’m so happy. It’s more just seeing clips and I know the weight I need to put on the ball and it’s just about repetition. I put a few good balls in and could’ve had a couple of assists so it was nice to get one.
“When you have a blip in the league you get written off. We stick together as a group and we knew the run of results were not good enough, now we’re starting to see a turn of that. People get carried away. You just need to be around it in February time. Liverpool have dropped points, they’re seven away so we will see what happens.”
‘The storm was there'
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:29 , Mike JonesEx-Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, speaking on Amazon Prime: “I admit that in the second half, the storm was there for Manchester United. Ruben Amorim said earlier that a storm was going to come for his team and it came tonight.
“The set-pieces were a big problem for them and Arsenal scored twice from them. Now it’s back to the training ground to fix the mistakes.”
‘Set pieces are a massive part of the game’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:26 , Mike JonesFormer England midfielder Izzy Christiansen speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: “For me it is always about the delivery.
“None of it works unless the delivery is on point. You can see how accurate they are. The delivery happens and the movement happens - Arsenal seem so effective from them.
“Arsenal recognise in order to be this bulletproof team they have to be excellent in every department of the game. Set-pieces are a massive part of the game which often gets neglected.”
Another instant classic but both Newcastle and Liverpool must learn lessons from draw
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:22 , Mike JonesAnd breathe. After 90 minutes of rollicking, rumbustious entertainment, amid his disappointment, Arne Slot could at least console himself with the sense he was vindicated in one respect.
The Liverpool head coach had suggested Newcastle United could provide his side with a tougher test than either Real Madrid or Manchester City and, amid the drama on Tyneside, he was proved right.
A fixture with a history of classics delivered another.
Another instant classic but both Newcastle and Liverpool must learn lessons from draw
Man City back to winning ways
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:19 , Mike JonesManchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 tonight.
“We needed it,” said Pep Guardiola after the game. “The club and the players, everyone needed to win. But it is just one win. The problems continued with Manuel [Akanji] and Nathan [Ake].
“Nathan doesn’t look good. We will see tomorrow. He could not continue and we will see in three days what will happen. I am sad for Nathan. Manu maybe in Turin. Nathan will be longer.”
Liverpool drop points at Newcastle
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:15 , Mike JonesEarlier this evening Liverpool went to St. James’ Park and played out a cracker against Newcastle United. The Reds twice went behind but Mo Salah scored twice to put them 3-2 up and on course for another win.
Fabian Schar had the last laugh though and scored in the 90th minute to secure a point for the hosts. Arne Slot’s men drop two points and their lead is cut to seven with Chelsea and Arsenal hunting them down.
Man City, who also won tonight, aren’t far behind either.
‘The Arsenal fans will be delighted’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:10 , Mike JonesFormer England midfielder Izzy Christiansen speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s an Arsenal team who have got a massive three points on a school night.
“The Arsenal fans will be delighted with that.”
FT Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:09 , Mike Jones
Full-time! Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:07 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: Arsenal get it done. Tonight was a big test for both teams but Mikel Arteta’s men proved too strong and too good at set pieces.
The game perhaps came too early in Ruben Amorim’s tenure as the team aren’t yet confident in their formation. Defensively they were solid in the first half but offered little in the second.
Arsenal move within seven points of Liverpool and United drop back into the bottom half of the table.
Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:03 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:58 , Mike Jones87 mins: Bruno Fernandes is the man to take the free kick. He slips it to the left of the wall where Antony makes a run. It’s a nice move but Antony pings his shot straight at David Raya who keeps it out.
Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:56 , Mike Jones84 mins: Ruben Amorim has his head in his hands sitting in the dugout. The first goal has seemingly zipped the life out of United with the second completely killing them off.
Antony wins a free kick on the edge of the box. Can they create something here?
Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:53 , Mike Jones81 mins: Bukayo Saka dances down the right wing and puts a cross into the box that Leny Yoro turns behind for another corner. It’s Arsenal’s 12th of the game.
United haven’t had any yet.
Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:51 , Mike Jones78 mins: The Gunners are having a fine evening now. The fans are happy, Mikel Arteta is happy, Manchester United are not happy.
Antony is brought on with Rasmus Hojlund taken off for United’s final change.
Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:47 , Mike Jones75 mins: Things could get messy for Manchester United in this position. Arsenal look to be inflicting a first defeat on United under Ruben Amorim and the manager is stroking his head looking for answers.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd (William Saliba, 73 mins)
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:45 , Mike JonesAnother set piece, another goal!
Bukayo Saka curls in a corner and picks out Thomas Partey. He nods the ball back across goal from the far post and hits William Saliba on the back.
The ball deflects past Andre Onana and Arsenal double their lead.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:43 , Mike Jones72 mins: Mikel Arteta is preparing a couple of changes now in response to United’s aggression. Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino are introduced to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:41 , Mike Jones70 mins: ‘That save is as good as a goal at the other end’ comes a line from Amazon Prime’s commentary team and it’s absolutely true.
The opportunity has given a bit of confidence to Man Utd though. Marcus Rashford comes down the left wing and drills a low cross into the penalty area only for Raya to scoop up the ball.
Arsenal don’t have this game won just yet.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:39 , Mike Jones67 mins: Save!
Bruno Fernandes flicks a fine free kick into the box and picks out Matthijs de Light. The defender’s header is great and is heading for the far corner before David Raya leaps across and palms the ball away with his oustretched left hand!
Fantastic work from the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:37 , Mike Jones66 mins: Liverpool have drawn 3-3 with Newcastle in one of tonight’s earlier kick offs meaning their lead will be cut to seven points as Chelsea have also won.
As things stand Arsenal with drop to third, on goal difference, but they’ll pull two points back on Arne Slot’s leaders. That is unless Man Utd can get themselves a goal.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:34 , Mike Jones63 mins: An identical corner from Arsenal almost sees them double their lead after Zirkzee’s header looks to be tracking for the far post before Manuel Ugarte tips it wide.
From the next corner Bukayo Saka chooses to send the ball to the far post where Martinelli is the target. He struggles to control the ball bu manages to win a throw in.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:31 , Mike Jones60 mins: Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho and Harry Maguire are the men replaced for Man Utd just before the hour mark. Can the changes swing the momentum of the game?
The Arsenal fans think not.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:29 , Mike Jones56 mins: Ruben Amorim is responding with a triple substitution. Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro are all getting ready on the sidelines.
On the pitch, Odegaard feeds Saka who cuts onto his left foot and draws a low save out of Onana.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd (Jurrien Timber, 53 mins)
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:26 , Mike JonesThere’s the opener!
Declan Rice swings a corner into the box and picks out Jurrien Timber who glances the ball towards the back post and finds the back of the net.
Set pieces do it again for Arsenal!
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:25 , Mike Jones52 mins: De Ligt hobbles back onto the field as United come forward through Amad. He desperately tries to weave into box but loses possession beforehand.
Arsenal have a bit of fire in their bellies. They’re moving the ball quicker and with more focus. United need to be wary.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:23 , Mike Jones51 mins: Matthijs de Ligt and Declan Rice collide with each other as the defender looks to clear an aerial ball. The centre back is bundled off the pitch and needs some treatment.
Harry Maguire is booked for delaying the restart by throwing another ball into play.
For now, United are down to 10-men.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:19 , Mike Jones48 mins: Garnacho dribbles into space on the left and flicks a cross into the box with the outside of his right boot. Hojlund is the target but he doesn’t continue his run and the attack dies down.
Arsenal come back at United quickly with Declan Rice releasing Gabriel Martinelli. He drives into the box and shoots but a deflection off Harry Maguire falls kindly to Andre Onana.
Second half! Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:16 , Mike JonesArsenal get the ball rolling for the second half at the Emirates Stadium. Ruben Amorim has made a change with Amad Diallo replacing Tyrell Malacia for Man Utd.
Diogo Dalot should switch out onto the left side now with Amad slotting in on the right. It’s an attacking change from Amorim.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:15 , Mike JonesManchester United are more defensively sound than they have been in weeks. Ruben Amorim’s changes seem to have paid off quickly but can they maintain that stability for the full 90 minutes.
We’ll find out shortly.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:09 , Mike JonesSince the start of last season, Arsenal’s 20 goals from corners and Gabriel’s five from corners are the most by a team and a single player in the Premier League.
The Gunners have looked most threatening from their set pieces.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:05 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:01 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half and there’s nothing to separate the teams. Ruben Amorim set up his Man Utd team to be more defensive against the fluid and functional Arsenal.
It’s been frustrating for the Gunners who will want to step up a gear in order to force a result in their favour.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:58 , Mike Jones42 mins: Close! Mason Mount takes an awful shot from outside the box but Harry Maguire scoops up the loose ball. His pass across the box is deflected to Diogo Dalot who drills an effort of his own towards the back post and just sends it wide of the target!
United’s best chance of the half.
‘United’s defensive structure is good'
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:56 , Mike Jones“United's defensive structure is really good. They have made themselves very difficult to play through, and Arsenal aren't getting much joy from open play.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:54 , Mike Jones39 mins: Man Utd all slowly being forced deeper and deeper into their own half. This is a dangerous time for them in the minutes leading up to half-time.
If they can get to the break on level terms their are players like Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo that could make a difference in the second half.
‘Arsenal have had the better game’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:49 , Miguel Delaney at the Emirates Stadium“Arsenal have largely had the better of their game with Manchester United, although there has been some promise for Ruben Amorim's side in how they've occasionally just cut through.
“Most of the action has been in front of Andre Onana's goal, though, and sometimes right up to the line through Bukayo Saka's supreme deliveries.
“There is no Gabriel, however, which is perhaps one reason why Arsenal haven't yet converted.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:48 , Mike Jones33 mins: Ruben Amorim always appears as though watching Man Utd play is physically hurting him. He’s got a painful look on his face as Arsenal start to take more control of the game.
United’s opportunities have been few and far between. A tactical battle on the pitch which doesn’t have a winner... yet.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:44 , Mike Jones30 mins: Martin Odegaard is taken down by a lunging Mason Mount and the Arsenal fans are not happy. Mount escapes without major punishment but possession switches back to the Gunners who look to come down the left wing.
Dalot blocks off Martinelli’s run and United win the ball back. That’s kind of been the story of this opening half hour. The main threat has come from Arsenal’s set pieces.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:41 , Mike Jones27 mins: Thomas Partey dinks the ball over the top and finds Bukayo Saka. Tyrell Malacia sticks with him and forces the ball out for another corner thanks to some help from Noussair Mazraoui.
Saka is on set piece duty again and again sends it close to Onana. The goalkeeper punches it to Zinchenko whose blocked shot lands for Martinelli.
He turns the ball towards goal but sends it high and wide!
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:38 , Mike Jones24 mins: Arsenal win another corner after Mazraoui gives the ball away. This one is taken by Saka who whips in an inswinger. Andre Onana gets there first and punches the ball away only for Saka to recover it.
He goes for goal this time but sends the ball into the hands of the goalkeeper.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:36 , Mike Jones21 mins: The game is still settling into its rhythm. The teams are sharing possession evenly and there hasn’t been many chances in the final thirds yet.
United are seemingly getting a bit of joy with long passes over the top of Arsenal’s high line but David Raya is aware enough to get out of his box quickly and beat the front men to the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:32 , Mike Jones18 mins: Ruben Amorim is issuing instructions from the sidelines but he’ll be pleased with what he’s seen so far. Tyrell Malacia and Alejandor Garnacho make fine runs into the box from the left side and get picked out by Bruno Fernandes both times.
But both times, William Saliba is on hand to shut down the attack and force United backwards.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:30 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: United are being brave on the ball and are trying to bait Arsenal into pressing them from goal-kicks. The visitors almost played through Arsenal twice by taking goal-kicks short and using well designed moves, before Onana plays it long on the third.
That was actually the occasion where United lost the ball in a dangerous position.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:29 , Mike Jones15 mins: Zinchenko’s early cross fizzes across the penalty area with pace but Saka halts his run. He lifts his head in anguish as he releases he could have gotten to the cross but the ball skips through for a goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:26 , Mike Jones12 mins: Bukayo Saka receives the ball and sweeps down the right side. He cuts inside in typical fahsion then lifts a cross over to the far post where Gabriel Martinelli and Diogo Dalot duel for the aerial ball.
Dalot wins.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:25 , Mike Jones10 mins: Man Utd get themselves up the pitch after a good run from Tyrell Malacia who combines with Rasmus Hojlund. Arsenal’s strong defence forces the visitors to send the ball back to Diogo Dalot who sends a log pass forward.
William Saliba reads it early and deals with the danger without too much fuss.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:23 , Mike Jones7 mins: Zinchenko looks to seek out Martinelli on the left wing and lifts a ball over the top. Diogo Dalot tracks back and touches the ball behind for a corner.
The Gunners get themselves set as Declan Rice swings a cross into the box. Thomas Partey throws his head at the ball but it strikes his shoulder and bounces wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:19 , Mike Jones4 mins: Disallowed! Arsenal have the ball in the back of the net after a clearance from Andre Onana comes straight to Oleksandr Zinchenko.
He laces it into the box where Kai Havertz dabs the ball down to Gabriel Martinelli who smokes it home. Havertz knows immediately that he’s offside and isn’t surprised when the flag gets raised.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:17 , Mike Jones3 mins: The Arsenal fans are in full voice already. There’s a feeling that they are the better side and recent history would back that up especially at this ground.
The Gunners win possession and look to control play in the middle of the pitch. United seem solid in their formation for now.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:16 , Mike JonesRasmus Hojlund kicks off the match and taps the ball to Mason Mount who sends it back to Harry Maguire. They eventually go all the way back to Andre Onana who feeds Noussair Mazraoui.
The defender is preesed immediately by Bukayo Saka and has to belt the ball forward to clear the danger.
Arsenal vs Man Utd team changes
Wednesday 4 December 2024 19:07 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta makes four changes to the Arsenal team that lined up against West Ham. In defence Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori drop out with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko coming in. Jorginho and Leandro Trossard are alos excluded with Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey favoured.
Ruben Amorim makes six changes to his Man Utd line-up with the big news being Harry Maguire starts for the first time under the new boss. He takes up the left centre-back role which Lisandro Martinez vacates. Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Casemiro are the other casualties.
In their place come Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
Arsenal vs Man Utd line-ups
Wednesday 4 December 2024 19:01 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya: Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Rice, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2024
🤝 Kiwior partners Saliba
⚓️ Partey in the middle
⚡️ Martinelli down the wing
Let's raise the levels, Gunners 🔊
Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Mount, Ugarte, Malacia; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Ruben makes 6️⃣ changes to his starting XI 🔄📋
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024
Bring on United! ❤️🔥#MUFC || #ARSMUN
Arteta vs Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 18:55 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta has won six of his nine Premier League games against Manchester United. Of all managers to face them at least five times in the competition, he has the highest win rate (67%).
Arsenal vs Man Utd
Wednesday 4 December 2024 18:50 , Mike JonesManchester United’s four most recent competitive wins in this fixture were under different managers: Jose Mourinho (April 2018), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (January 2019), Michael Carrick (December 2021) and Erik ten Hag (September 2022).
Will Ruben Amorim be the fifth?
Good evening!
Wednesday 4 December 2024 14:15 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners come into the match sitting second in the table but they are nine points behind league leaders Liverpool and cannot afford to drop points in their pursuit of the title.
Man Utd meanwhile have moved up to ninth place since Ruben Amorim took charge thanks to a 1-1 draw with Ipswich and a 4-0 hammering of Everton. Amorim is aware that there are tough games ahead for his team, with this being one of them, but should they come through with a win then confidence will grow that they can challenge for the Champions League spots.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8.15pm.
