Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates, relying on dominant set-piece tactics to seal the win. Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba highlighted the Gunners' efficiency. Manchester United struggled defensively, marking Ruben Amorim’s first loss. Arsenal closed the gap on Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal clinched a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, solidifying their title ambitions. The match highlighted Arsenal’s dominance in set-piece situations, with goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. However, the win has sparked widespread banter online, with football fans mocking the Gunners as “Set Piece FC.”
The game began with Manchester United deploying a defensive strategy that held firm throughout the first half. Arsenal, struggling to create clear-cut chances from open play, leaned on their set-piece prowess. Timber opened the scoring with a powerful header, followed shortly by Saliba, who capitalized on another corner to double the lead.
While Arsenal fans celebrated their team’s clinical execution, rival supporters, particularly those of Manchester United, took to social media to downplay the victory. Many accused Arsenal of relying solely on set-pieces to score, with some labeling them “Set Piece FC.” The mocking tone extended to comments suggesting Arsenal lacks creativity in open play, with one tweet reading, “Without corners, Arsenal are just a mid-table team.”
United’s woes were compounded by their inability to handle Arsenal’s aerial threats despite extensive preparation. Manager Ruben Amorim, facing his first defeat since taking over, was visibly frustrated as his rotated attack struggled to make an impact. Players like Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford failed to trouble Arsenal’s makeshift defense, leaving the Red Devils without answers.
For Arsenal, the result narrows the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to seven points. However, the “Set Piece FC” label serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define their success. As Mikel Arteta’s side looks ahead, their ability to blend set-piece mastery with open-play brilliance will be crucial in their quest for silverware.
