A desperate Arsenal side will host a seemingly recuperating Manchester United in the FA Cup 2024-25 third round match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
While Mikel Arteta’s men recently lost to Newcastle United in the League Cup semifinal first leg, Manchester United produced its best performance under new manager Ruben Arorim in its 2-2 draw at Liverpool.
The last time United played Arsenal at the Emirates was in the 2024-25 season on December 5 in the ongoing Premier League 2024-25 season. That fixture ended 2-0 in the host’s favour.
It was Arsenal’s set piece expertise which handed the home side a well-deserved victory.
The Gunners threatened from set pieces with Thomas Partey unable to direct a dangerous Declan Rice corner in the first half.
READ MORE | FA Cup 2024-25, third round: Top five clashes to watch out
United goalkeeper Andre Onana twice needed to punch clear from corners, with the second presenting a half-chance for Gabriel Martinelli who sliced his shot high and wide.
Arsenal went ahead in the 54th minute from another Rice corner in the 54th minute, as Timber headed in from a tight angle.
United nearly pared the scores from a set piece shortly after, but David Raya produced a fingertip save to claw away Matthijs de Ligt’s goalbound header.
Arsenal put the game to bed in the 73rd minute when Partey’s header from a Bukayo Saka delivery bounced off Saliba and went in for Arsenal’s 22nd league goal from a corner since the start of last season.
Rice nearly added a third before substitute Mikel Merino headed past the post from the resulting corner, as each set piece generated a roar of expectation.