Arsenal came on strong in the second half to pick up a deserved victory
Join Mail+ for more exclusive scoops, in-depth reporting and analysis from inside the Arsenal and Man United camps
By ISAAN KHAN
Published: 17:22 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 17:24 EST, 4 December 2024
Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Manchester United manager as his side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
After a goalless first half, it was Jurrien Tiumber who broke the deadlock from a set-piece shortly after half the interval.
The Gunners then doubled their advantage from another dead-ball situation, with the ball going in off William Saliba's hip after Thomas Partey headed Bukayo Saka's corner back across goal.
United were unable to mount a comeback, but it was another step in the right direction for Arsenal as they closed the gap at the top of the table to Liverpool after the Reds were held to a 3-3 draw at Newcastle.
But who were the standout players at the Emirates?
Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was in north London to rate the players from both teams.
Arsenal beat Man United 2-0 to hand Ruben Amorim his first defeat
Ruben Amorim's side held firm in the first half but were unable to keep Arsenal at the bay after the break
ARSENAL
David Raya 7.5 - Distribution, particularly when under pressure, was impressive both on the floor and aerially. Great save on 67 minutes.
Jurrien Timber 7.5 - Kept vigilant on that right flank against a lively Alejandro Garnacho. His physicality often came up trumps in challenges — and he scored off a corner-kick.
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring and was rock-solid at the back for the hosts
William Saliba 8 - Shielded the ball well and effectively broke forward like a quarterback in American football when space was there. Some quality passes forward, and scored too. Man of the match display.
Jakub Kiwior 6.5 - Coped well under pressure. Was often targeted by the opposition frontline but stood strong, with help from colleagues.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6 - Switched off on 43 minutes which nearly cost his team. Some decent crosses into the area.
Martin Odegaard 6.5 - Dropped deep to get on the ball. When he did get it, he looked composed as ever.
Thomas Partey 6.5 - Gave the ball away a couple of times and looked jittery when on it. But other facets of his play were there. His header led to Saliba’s goal.
Thomas Partey was jittery at times but got the assist for Arsenal's second goal
Declan Rice 6.5 - Helped with trying to get a hold of the ball. Played Gabriel Martinelli through minutes after the break.
Bukayo Saka 6.5 - Looked dangerous when he got the ball but was dealt well with by Tyrell Malacia. More success in second half.
Bukayo Saka had more joy in the second half after Tyrell Malacia went off
Kai Havertz 5.5 - An anonymous first half. Didn’t have many touches and not as pronounced in duels as he usually is.
Gabriel Martinelli 6.5 - Scored early on but ruled out for offside. Had some decent breaks in attack. Should have done better with his chance after 48 minutes.
Manager
Mikel Arteta 6.5 - His team was missing the important Gabriel, but managed to navigate this.
Mikel Arteta overcame injury blows in defence to guide his side to a deserved win
MANCHESTER UNITED
Andre Onana 6.5 - Booed for taking ages on the ball at goal kicks. Poor pass after four minutes saw Martinelli latch on it — though lucky for him, it was offside.
Noussair Mazraoui 7 - Some good passes from the back under pressure and helped his team-mates in marshalling Saka.
Noussair Mazraoui did well to keep Bukayo Saka quiet for long periods
Matthijs de Ligt 6.5 - Kept in position and made it difficult for the attackers to break on him. Nearly scored with second-half header.
Harry Maguire 6.5 - Looked jittery on the ball but kept the backline together. Good awareness to cross the ball in when Arsenal switched off on 43 minutes.
Diogo Dalot 6 - Had a great chance from Maguire’s cross which he should have done better with.
Manuel Ugarte 6 - Composed in the middle. Though reluctant to pass the ball in forward areas.
Bruno Fernandes 7 - Man United’s best player in midfield. Controlled the tempo and cornerstone of many attacks.
Bruno Fernandes was Man United's best midfielder but was unable to inspire his side to victory
[item name=module id=124549765 style=undefined /]
Tyrell Malacia 7.5 - Hooked at half-time, likely because not at full fitness yet. But he was class. Kept Saka quiet – not many defenders can say that this season.
Mason Mount 6 - Some nice attempts at creativity with flick-ons and runs forward. But needed to bring more to United’s play.
Alejandro Garnacho 6.5 - Looked lively on the ball and kept looking to take the man on. Saliba did thwart him a few times.
Rasmus Hojlund 6.5 - Good hold up play, both aerially and shielding the ball. Not much at goal though.
Manager
Ruben Amorim 6 - There were some promising signs overall, but he urgently needs to get to work on set-pieces. Man United were awful at defending them.
Referee
Sam Barrott 6.5