Ground Gained in the Title RaceAs the first half came to a close, frustration grew among the Arsenal fans. Although the team wasn’t playing poorly, they understood that there was no room for mistakes.

Their anxiousness was likely fueled by updates from St. James’ Park, where Liverpool was drawing. This presented a rare opportunity for Arsenal to gain ground in the title race.

Ultimately, Arsenal seized the moment. Two set-piece goals secured a win even when they were not at their best. It’s often said that title-winning teams find ways to win, and while Arteta prefers to frame it as winning in all contexts, he was understandably pleased after the match.

The Spanish manager has maintained a measured approach, even as the odds seem stacked against his team in this season’s title chase. Historically, no team has come back from a nine-point deficit in November to win the league, but Arteta hasn’t given up hope. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on their own performance.

“We try to look at our own business,” he stated. “We aim to perform well and find ways to win. I believe the team deserved the victory today, which is very positive.”

While Liverpool may have dropped points, they still hold a significant seven-point lead at the top of the table, a considerable gap. However, as the saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

Arsenal can hope for help from Liverpool, but without winning their own games, luck won’t matter. The focus now shifts to Fulham, where only a win will suffice.

Stop the Set-Piece SnobberyCritics often say, “Arsenal only scores from set pieces,” but why is that a criticism? Why is scoring from dead-ball situations viewed negatively?

While fans enjoy a well-executed Wenger-style tiki-taka move, shouldn’t a goal from a corner or free-kick be valued just as much? What’s with the snobbery?

Mikel Arteta clearly doesn’t share this view. Before the match, he explained his philosophy on set pieces.

“I don’t believe in treating set pieces separately in training,” he said. “Everything is connected. We work in a way that closely resembles actual gameplay.”

This approach was evident against United. Arsenal struggled to maintain the attacking intensity that had helped them regain form. When that faltered, they relied on set pieces.

Jurrien Timber scored with a header from Declan Rice’s well-placed corner. Later, a header by Thomas Partey from a Bukayo Saka corner deflected off William Saliba’s backside for another goal. While luck played a role, Arsenal earned these opportunities by respecting this often-overlooked aspect of the game.

By the end, Arsenal fans were reveling in the satisfaction of scoring from set pieces. The build-up to Saka’s delivery deserved a goal, even if Mikel Merino couldn’t convert.

Try telling those fans celebrating the dead ball that set-piece goals matter less; they wouldn’t agree. And neither does Arteta.

“We need that,” he said of the two goals. “We want to be dangerous and effective from every angle and phase of play. Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. The team truly believes they can threaten the opponent from any position.”

Squad Steps UpWhen the team news was announced, the reaction was dramatic: Gabriel was out, and Jakub Kiwior was in. It felt apocalyptic.

Kiwior has faced some unfair criticism lately. While he may not be at the level of the Premier League’s top center-backs, he is far from a liability. Mistakes against Viktor Gyokeres and Jarrod Bowen have been blown out of proportion. Let’s be clear: Kiwior is not a dud. In many Premier League teams, he would be a starter.

He showed that against United. Though the match didn’t start at full intensity—understandable for someone making his first league start this season—he grew into the game. His passing improved, and his defending became sharper. His standout moment came late in the game when he blocked a rebound from an Antony shot, letting out a roar of defiance—a display of emotion not typically associated with him.

To win a Premier League title, contributions from squad players are crucial. Pascal Cygan played 18 times for the Invincibles; few would call him a key player, but his winner’s medal is as deserved as those of Sol Campbell or Kolo Toure.

Oleksandr Zinchenko also stepped up. On his first league start since the season opener, he was solid for an hour before tiring and being substituted after receiving a yellow card for a foul on Amad Diallo. The ability to rotate players without losing quality is essential for any title-winning team, which is why Arteta was so proud of both players.

“Big credit to Jakub and Alex,” he said. “It was Jakub’s first start in a long time. You have to be strong against this kind of opposition. They both did magnificently well.

“We trust them. They prepared well, took their chance, and I’m very happy for the team.”