Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium once again highlighted the razor-thin margins at the elite level of the Premier League. The Gunners came away with a vital three points courtesy of goals stemming from set-piece routines and a defensive performance that showed resilience under pressure. Yet, despite the satisfaction of victory, Mikel Arteta was quick to acknowledge that Arsenal will need greater fluidity and attacking precision if they are to sustain a serious challenge for silverware this season.
The game carried more than just the weight of three points. It was Arsenal against Manchester United — two historic giants with simmering rivalries and overlapping ambitions. The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten home record and reaffirmed their tactical adaptability, but the manner of the performance also raised questions about whether reliance on set pieces and defensive organization can consistently deliver results in the months ahead.
Set-Piece Prowess as Arsenal’s Trump Card
One of the most striking takeaways from Arsenal’s victory was the effectiveness of their set-piece routines. The Gunners have invested heavily in this area, employing a specialized coach to maximize opportunities from dead-ball situations. Against United, that investment paid dividends once again.
The opening breakthrough came from a cleverly executed corner routine. While United’s defenders expected a direct delivery aimed at the towering presence of Gabriel Magalhães or William Saliba, Arsenal varied their approach with a low-driven delivery to the near post. The sequence created confusion, pulling United’s defenders out of position, and eventually leading to a scrappy finish that gave Arsenal the lead.
Later in the game, Arsenal’s second goal also carried the fingerprints of set-piece ingenuity. The delivery was sharp, the movement rehearsed, and United’s zonal marking was undone. For a team that has sometimes struggled to unlock stubborn defenses in open play, these situations are invaluable. Arteta has clearly recognized this and turned set pieces into a vital weapon in Arsenal’s arsenal.
However, the heavy reliance on such moments also illustrates an underlying concern: Arsenal have yet to fully rediscover the fluid, free-flowing attacking sequences that characterized their surge last season.
Defensive Steel Anchored by Saliba and Gabriel
If set pieces provided the attacking platform, defensive resilience ensured that Arsenal could withstand United’s surges. William Saliba once again underlined why many consider him one of the most gifted defenders in the league. Calm under pressure, dominant in aerial duels, and intelligent in his positioning, Saliba neutralized much of United’s direct threat.
Alongside him, Gabriel Magalhães played with aggression and tenacity, ensuring that United’s attackers — particularly Rasmus Højlund — never found rhythm. The Brazilian was uncompromising in tackles and effective at stepping into midfield to disrupt play.
Behind them, David Raya (or Aaron Ramsdale, depending on Arteta’s rotational choice) exuded calmness. The goalkeeper was decisive in claiming crosses and played an important role in building attacks from the back.
Arsenal’s defensive structure was not perfect — there were moments when United carved opportunities, particularly on the counterattack. Marcus Rashford’s pace caused problems, and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity found pockets of space. Yet, the Gunners’ resilience was notable. Unlike in previous seasons, where late lapses often undermined good work, this Arsenal side looked mature in protecting their advantage.
Manchester United’s Missed Opportunities
While Arsenal deserved credit, United will leave the Emirates ruing missed chances. Marcus Rashford, who remains United’s most consistent attacking outlet, struck in the first half with a superb finish on the counterattack, highlighting his ability to exploit space. Yet, beyond that moment, United’s finishing deserted them.
Bruno Fernandes orchestrated play but was guilty of overcomplicating key opportunities. Rasmus Højlund worked tirelessly but lacked the cutting edge in decisive moments. United’s wide players, too, were inconsistent, often delivering promising runs without the final ball to match.
United also struggled with concentration during Arsenal’s set-piece deliveries — a problem that has plagued them across multiple matches this season. Erik ten Hag’s side showed flashes of promise but lacked the ruthless efficiency required to punish Arsenal’s occasional lapses.
Arteta’s Honest Assessment
Post-match, Mikel Arteta was gracious in victory but candid in his analysis. He praised his players’ resilience and execution of set-piece routines, but he emphasized the need for more.
“We found a way to win, which is always important,” Arteta remarked. “But I know we can play better. We need more control, more rhythm in possession, and more precision in the final third. These are the standards we are aiming for.”
Arteta’s words reflect a larger truth: while Arsenal are winning matches, they are not yet playing with the same fluency and confidence that lit up much of last season. Injuries, tactical adjustments, and the pressure of expectation have all played a role. Yet, the manager knows that the difference between finishing second and lifting the Premier League trophy will be found in those incremental improvements.
The Evolution of Arsenal’s Style
It is worth noting that Arsenal’s identity under Arteta has been evolving. In his early tenure, the focus was primarily on structure, discipline, and defensive solidity. As the squad matured, Arsenal developed a more dynamic, possession-based style with an emphasis on fluid attacking combinations.
This season, however, there has been a notable emphasis on pragmatism. Arsenal are not as expansive as they were last year, but they are arguably harder to beat. The balance between control and creativity remains a delicate one, and Arteta appears to be experimenting with variations depending on the opposition.
The introduction of Declan Rice has also reshaped Arsenal’s midfield. Rice offers defensive stability and physical dominance, but integrating him fully alongside Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz (or another advanced midfielder) has required adjustments. The chemistry is developing, but it is still a work in progress.
The Bigger Picture Title Ambitions
The victory over United was not just about three points; it was about maintaining momentum in a title race that is shaping up to be as competitive as ever. Manchester City remain the benchmark, with Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea also lurking.
For Arsenal to seriously challenge City, they will need more than set-piece efficiency and defensive steel. They will need the creative spark that can unlock games when margins are tight. Players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are crucial in this regard, but Arsenal must also find ways to diversify their attacking threats so they are not overly reliant on individual brilliance.
Arteta’s recognition of this fact is encouraging. By setting high standards and acknowledging shortcomings even after a victory, he is pushing his squad toward continuous improvement.
The Role of Depth and Squad Rotation
Another factor in Arsenal’s season will be squad depth. With Champions League fixtures on the horizon, Arteta will need to rotate intelligently to keep players fresh. The signing of Jurrien Timber, though marred by injury, was aimed at bolstering defensive depth, while Rice’s arrival added robustness to midfield options.
The challenge lies in ensuring that rotation does not disrupt rhythm. Last season, Arsenal’s momentum waned when injuries forced key changes late in the campaign. Arteta will be determined to avoid a repeat, ensuring that squad players are integrated and trusted from the outset.
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