Player Ratings: Timber and Saliba on target as Arsenal ease past Manchester United

Two goals from corners helped Arsenal overcome Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

After a cagey first half, defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netted from Declan Rice deliveries as Arsenal continued their lethal set-piece proficiency.

Mikel Arteta’s side were without the likes of Gabriel in defence, but were hardly tested by the visitors, with David Raya making one notable save to deny Matthias de Ligt.

Player ratings:

David Raya 8/10

An excellent agile save from de Ligt midway through the second half having had very little to do. Denied Antony late on from close range.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 6/10

Looked to invert into midfield but continues to be exposed one-on-one.

Jakub Kiwior 7/10

Replaced the injured Gabriel at centre-back and performed well.

William Saliba 8.5/10

Consistent at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, helping restrict the visitors to very little in front of goal. Scored with his backside to double Arsenal’s lead!

Jurrien Timber 8/10

Carried the ball forward well and powered a header past Andre Onana to put Arsenal in front 

Thomas Partey 6.5/10

Missed from close range inside nine minutes when he met a corner with his shoulder rather than head. Moved to right-back to close out the game when Zinchenko was withdrawn.

Martin Odegaard 7.5/10

Plenty of movement and energy, far more involved following Timber’s goal.

Declan Rice 7.5/10

Helped limit United on the counter-attack. Delivered the pinpoint corner for Timber to head home.

Gabriel Martinelli 6/10

Should have hit the target from inside the penalty area halfway through the first half. Marked tightly by Diogo Dalot and struggled in the final third.

Kai Havertz 6.5/10

Rather passive in the first half but linked up play well in the second. Had the chance to make it 3-0 but hit the effort straight at Onana.

Bukayo Saka 6.5/10

Found joy on occasion against Tyrell Malacia, who was booked late in the first half before being substituted.

Mikel Merino (Sub, 71’) 7/10

Leandro Trossard (Sub, 71’) 7/10

Jorginho (Sub, 90’)

Subs not used: Neto, Kieran Tierney, Ayden Heaven, Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus

I’ve been attending this fixture as a fan and later as a journalist since the 1982-83 season and seen the vast majority of the matches between these two sides ever since. I have to say this is the biggest gap in quality and commitment I can recall between Arsenal and Man Utd

— Layth (@laythy29) December 4, 2024