Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester United: William Saliba dominant as Declan Rice delivers in crucial win | OneFootball

Gunners much-improved in second-half as they closed in on Premier League leaders Liverpool

William Saliba was superb for Arsenal at both ends of the pitch

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The Gunners were once again victors thanks to their prowess from set-pieces, with both of their goals coming from corners.

Jurrien Timber headed them in front early in the second-half, before William Saliba added a second with 17 minutes to go.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 7

Made a brilliant save midway through the second-half to keep out Matthijs de Ligt’s leader. Quick off his line all night to stop United’s balls over the top and distribution was excellent.

Jurrien Timber 8

Scored the all-important opening goal by heading home from a corner. Capped off another great performance. Has made Arsenal’s right flank even better.

William Saliba 8 | Star player

Right from the off he was so composed on the ball, even making a few good runs forward. Rewarded with a goal to make it 2-0. Dominant.

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber provided the Arsenal goals

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Jakub Kiwior 8

Handed a rare start at centre-back in the absence of Gabriel. Flew under the radar, but he had a great game with and without the ball.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Only his third start of the season and was largely solid. Caught out once midway through the second-half and was booked for hauling down Amad Diallo.

Martin Odegaard 7

Quiet in the first-half, but much better after the break. Combined a few times with Saka and created a good chance for Havertz.

Thomas Partey 7

Missed a glorious chance inside the opening 10 minutes. Other than that, this was another good performance. Set up the second goal with a header at the back-post.

8

Went up a gear after the break and gave Arsenal the injection of energy they needed. Whipped in the corner that Timber headed home.

Bukayo Saka 7

It was his corner that led to Arsenal’s second goal. Had a good battle with Tyrell Malacia in the first-half. Got better as the game went on.

Kai Havertz 6

Anonymous in the first-half, like a few Arsenal players. Better after the break, but a missed a great chance to make it 3-0.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Had an early goal ruled out for offside and then missed a great opportunity midway through the first-half. A frustrating night for the Brazilian.

Substitutions

Mikel Merino (Zinchenko 71’) 6

So nearly made it 3-0 from - you guessed it - a corner, but his header went wide.

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 71’) 7

A bright cameo, offered plenty of running and carried a real threat.

Jorginho (Odegaard 90’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Heaven, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus