Arsenal secured a much-needed three points on match day 14 of the Premier League season, beating Manchester United 2-0.
There was some concern before kick off as Arsenal suffered a double injury blow seeing both Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori miss out.
Such woes were quickly forgotten as the Brazilian’s threat in the box was restored by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, who both scored from corners in the second half.
The win saw Arsenal reduce the gap between themselves and leaders Liverpool, who dropped points to Newcastle United.
Seven things you missed from Arsenal vs Man United
It was certainly a game of two halves at the Emirates as fans were presented with a dire first half of football from both sides.
Fortunately, Arsenal got going and Mikel Arteta left the pitch with a smile – here’s seven things you may have missed from the Gunners’ win.
Jurrien Timber’s 100-club goal
After having a goal ruled out for offside last time he played at the Emirates, Timber found the net to score his first goal for Arsenal.
The Dutchman converted from a corner to score a goal that was not only meaningful to himself.
Timber scored Arsenal’s 100th goal of 2024, fitting for a player who has had quite the journey this year to get to where he is now.
Mikel Arteta was furious at Kai Havertz incident
During the first half, there was some tension on the sidelines following a foul Kai Havertz committed on Harry Maguire.
The backlash didn’t come from supporters but from Arteta, who was furious with the passage of play.
It’s unclear whether the Arsenal manager was angry at Havertz’s decision making or that the foul against his player was given, but nonetheless the boss was far from satisfied.
William Saliba’s creative spark
Upon watching the first half, fans should have had an idea that Saliba would find himself on the scoresheet.
The Frenchman nominated himself to push the Gunners up the pitch multiple times in the opening 45 minutes, inspiring his teammates during a stale period.
It was written in the stars that the centre-back would score, and he did Gabriel proud by getting his name on the scoresheet.
Arsenal and Man Utd record 24/25 Premier League first
While the second half saw the game open up in Arsenal’s favour, fans had a chore to remain determined after a dire first 45 minutes.
The Gunners and United recorded a first in the Premier League this season, with the two sides firing a combined total of just five shots on goal.
That’s the lowest number of shots on goal in the first half of a league game this term, reinforcing the lacklustre start.
Familiar face returned to the Emirates
Spotted on the Man United bench for the contest was a face well known to the Arsenal squad, former club doctor Gary O’Driscoll.
O’Driscoll made the move to United in September 2023, a few weeks after the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Erik ten Hag’s side in North London.
Having been at Arsenal for 14 years, it would have been strange for Arsene Wenger’s former colleague to return to N5 representing the enemy.
Arsenal reach Emirates milestone
The win will be remembered by the Gunners and not only because it represents a win over United but because it was a win on a special occasion.
Quite fittingly, the showdown between Arsenal and United was the 500th fixture played at the Emirates Stadium.
That’s 500 competitive fixtures at Highbury’s upgrade for Arsenal’s men’s team, with the special night commemorated with a crucial three points.
What Arsenal fans were chanting
It was another game won by Nicolas Jover, who would have loved what he saw from the squad from set play.
Every corner looked to be a threat for the hosts, whether it was because of movement in the box or the consistently sublime deliveries.
The fans certainly appreciated Jover’s work after Timber and Saliba’s goals, with supporters at the Emirates heard chanting, “Set piece again, ole ole.”
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