United Boss Sees Positives Despite First Loss
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s new head coach, reflected on his team’s first loss under his tenure, a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the result, Amorim praised his side’s defensive discipline, particularly in the first half, and claimed they made the Gunners “uncomfortable” before succumbing to Arsenal’s set-piece strength.
A Tale of Two Halves
United frustrated Arsenal in the opening 45 minutes, pressing effectively and maintaining a compact defensive shape. The Red Devils managed to nullify Arsenal’s attacking threats, earning some rare moments of tension among the home crowd.
Amorim acknowledged his team’s efforts, saying:
“You could feel it in the stadium, especially at the end of the first half—they were not comfortable. We take that as a positive.”
However, Arsenal broke the deadlock in the second half through Jurrien Timber’s glancing header, followed by a deflected effort from William Saliba. Both goals came from corners, a recurring weapon in Arsenal’s arsenal.
“The difference today was set-pieces,” Amorim said. “When the momentum shifts like that, it becomes really hard to take control, but we kept trying.”
Arteta Dismisses Amorim’s Critique
Amorim suggested Arsenal’s tactical focus on winning corners was intentional, pointing to the roles of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in stretching defenses wide.
“They go one-on-one, they cross. If the cross is good, they score. If it’s a corner, they score,” Amorim explained.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was quick to dismiss the claims, highlighting the variety in his team’s attacking play:
“Last year, we scored the most goals in the history of this football club—not just from set pieces, but from all areas: counters, build-ups, and individual brilliance. We aim to maximize every phase of play.”
United’s Offensive Struggles Continue
While Amorim took positives from United’s defensive work, his team offered little attacking threat. They managed just five shots to Arsenal’s 14, with only two on target.
The loss leaves Amorim with work to do as United seek to find balance under his guidance. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s latest victory underscores their dominance in set-piece situations, with 22 such goals since the start of last season, the most in the Premier League.
United will look to bounce back in their next match, but the pressure is mounting for Amorim to develop a more potent offensive strategy.
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