Ground Gained in the Title RaceAs the first half drew to a close, frustration grew among Arsenal fans. While the team wasn’t performing poorly, they were acutely aware that mistakes could not be afforde

Their anxiety was likely heightened by updates from St. James’ Park, where Liverpool was held to a draw, presenting Arsenal with a rare chance to make up ground in the title race.

Arsenal ultimately capitalized on this opportunity. Two goals from set pieces secured a victory, even when they weren’t at their best. It’s commonly noted that title-winning teams find ways to win, and although Arteta prefers to describe it as winning in all contexts, he was understandably pleased with the outcome.

The Spanish manager has kept a measured perspective, even as challenges pile up in this season’s title race. Historically, no team has ever recovered from a nine-point deficit in November to clinch the league title, yet Arteta remains optimistic. His focus is on ensuring that his team delivers strong performances.

 

“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.”