Evening Standard
·4 Desember 2024
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·4 Desember 2024
Gunners much-improved in second-half as they closed in on Premier League leaders Liverpool
William Saliba was superb for Arsenal at both ends of the pitch
AP
The Gunners were once again victors thanks to their prowess from set-pieces, with both of their goals coming from corners.
Jurrien Timber headed them in front early in the second-half, before William Saliba added a second with 17 minutes to go.
Arsenal dropped to third in the Premier League, due to Chelsea having a superior goal difference to them after their thumping win at Southampton, but crucially the gap to leaders Liverpool is down to seven points.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
David Raya 7
Made a brilliant save midway through the second-half to keep out Matthijs de Ligt’s leader. Quick off his line all night to stop United’s balls over the top and distribution was excellent.
Jurrien Timber 8
Scored the all-important opening goal by heading home from a corner. Capped off another great performance. Has made Arsenal’s right flank even better.
William Saliba 8 | Star player
Right from the off he was so composed on the ball, even making a few good runs forward. Rewarded with a goal to make it 2-0. Dominant.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber provided the Arsenal goals
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Jakub Kiwior 8
Handed a rare start at centre-back in the absence of Gabriel. Flew under the radar, but he had a great game with and without the ball.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 7
Only his third start of the season and was largely solid. Caught out once midway through the second-half and was booked for hauling down Amad Diallo.
Martin Odegaard 7
Quiet in the first-half, but much better after the break. Combined a few times with Saka and created a good chance for Havertz.
Thomas Partey 7
Missed a glorious chance inside the opening 10 minutes. Other than that, this was another good performance. Set up the second goal with a header at the back-post.
8
Went up a gear after the break and gave Arsenal the injection of energy they needed. Whipped in the corner that Timber headed home.
Bukayo Saka 7
It was his corner that led to Arsenal’s second goal. Had a good battle with Tyrell Malacia in the first-half. Got better as the game went on.
Kai Havertz 6
Anonymous in the first-half, like a few Arsenal players. Better after the break, but a missed a great chance to make it 3-0.
Gabriel Martinelli 6
Had an early goal ruled out for offside and then missed a great opportunity midway through the first-half. A frustrating night for the Brazilian.
Substitutions
Mikel Merino (Zinchenko 71’) 6
So nearly made it 3-0 from - you guessed it - a corner, but his header went wide.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 71’) 7
A bright cameo, offered plenty of running and carried a real threat.
Jorginho (Odegaard 90’) N/A
Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Heaven, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus