Arsenal halted Ruben Amorim's recent mini revival of Manchester United thanks to a familair route to goal. The Gunners still leaned heavily on set-pieces and got their rewards when right-back Jurrien Timber and centre-back William Saliba profited from deliveries by Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Those goals secured all three points at the Emirates Stadium and also made the title race more of a contest. There's a foothold for Arsenal after Liverpool settled for a point apiece from a six-goal instant classic away to Newcastle United.
Bridging the gap completely to Liverpool will require the Gunners playing more enterprising football than they managed during a depressing first 45 minutes against United. Pedestrian passing from back to front, combined with ponderous ideas in the final third to make a brief nap more appealing than tracking every minute.
Thankfully, Mikel Arteta's team awoke from its collective slumber after the break. Thanks largely to star turns from Saliba, Rice and Martin Odegaard.
BIG WIN IN N5 ✊ pic.twitter.com/tS7QJkbGbu
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2024
Here are Arsenal's player ratings from a welcome win over the old enemy.
Jurrien Timber, Andre Onana
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - He had so little to do thanks to United's overly defensive approach, but David Raya still stood tall when it mattered. Like when Matthijs de Ligt slammed his forehead against the ball and almost gave the hosts a taste of their own set-piece medicine. A smart stop from Raya preserved the clean sheet.
Jurrien Timber (RB) - 9/10 - Lost in all the deserved hype about Martin Odegaard's return has been the importance of having Timber fully fit. Hyperbole or not, the Dutchman has what it takes to be the best full-back in England's top flight in a season or two. Timber's headed opener put an exclamation point on a performance showcasing power, determination, recovery pace and sound technique.
William Saliba (CB) - 10/10 - Okay, so maybe full marks for Saliba is a bit much, but damn it, beating United always feels good. Honestly, Saliba also deserves some props for staying strong without his usual partner, aggressive leader Gabriel Magalhaes, next to him. Saliba brushed off anything that could've been mistaken for a credible United attack, surged forward with the ball to get Arsenal onto the front foot and scored the clinching goal. Yes, 10/10 feels about right.
Jakub Kiwior (CB) - 8/10 - His performance was a little scruffy around the edges, but Jakub Kiwior is rarely tidy on the pitch. Fortiunately, he is effective. The Poland international just about handled United's attempts to draw him into matchups against pace in the channels. Kiwior also played his part to add to the disruption those awesome set-piece routines caused in the United area.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 7/10 - He's still squinting into the distance to see his best form, but Oleksandr Zinchenko didn't look off the pace. The 27-year-old also offered his familiar brand of support to Arsenal's efforts in possession. Having Zinchenko supplement midfield again will make Arsenal easier on the eye in more open games.
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