Arsenal scored both of their goals from corners
Ruben Amorim had Manchester United practicing set pieces in the warm-up - only to concede twice from corners at Arsenal.
The Red Devils were outclassed in the capital as the Gunners secured a 2-0 win, owing to goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. The two defenders were able to benefit from corners, an area where Arsenal are renowned for being strong.
United knew that coming into the clash at the Emirates but were unable to stop it, even though they tried to prepare themselves in the lead up to kick-off. Teams are not known for sending in set pieces during a warm-up, but that is exactly what Amorim had his team doing.
The defenders were lined up as if they were defending a live corner with someone whipping in deliveries and getting them to respond. Despite that Timber was able to flick in the opener at the near post and Saliba scored the second when Thomas Partey was left unmarked at the back post.
Arsenal bring Ruben Amorim's unbeaten Man Utd start to abrupt end - 6 talking points
David de Gea shows where his loyalties lie with four-word Man Utd admission
If it wasn't for those set pieces then United may have been able to mount more of a challenge, but instead Amorim is having to digest his first defeat since taking over as manager.
Arsenal were good value for the three points and continue to be clinical from corners. Set pieces have been crucial for the Gunners who have used them to scored goals against Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool already this season.
Declan Rice, who provided the delivery from the corners, said: "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."
Man Utd had used the warm-up to prepare for defending corners
(
Image:
@TyMarshall_MEN)
He added on the team's title hopes: "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."
Arsenal's win means they closed the gap on Liverpool to seven points. The Reds conceded a late goal at Newcastle which meant they drew a six-goal thriller and allowed their rivals to, slightly, close in on them.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package £46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky
Get the deal here