Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd: Four stars shine as set-pieces cause havoc

continued their scintillating form with a statement victory against Manchester United to gain ground on leaders .

Following a subdued opening 45 minutes, came out for the second half with a point to prove and deservedly took the lead via another set-piece goal 10 minutes after the restart.

A whipped Declan Rice corner found the head of Jurrien Timber at the near post, with Andre Onana left stunned by the defender’s movement.

Set-pieces continued to cause havoc for the home side, with Thomas Partey’s knockback striking the backside of William Saliba and trundling over the line.

Express Sport hand out player ratings from ‘s 2-0 victory over Man United…

David Raya – 8/10

Has been a revelation between the sticks since arriving at the Emirates Stadium and once again provided the goods when called upon. David Raya was alive to the danger to claw away a looping header with the score at 1-0.

Jurrien Timber – 8/10

Nullified the threat of Alejandro Garnacho and popped up with the opening goal. After a frustrating first season in north London, Timber looks right at home in the backline now.

William Saliba – 7/10

Looked his steely self despite partner in crime Gabriel having missed out on the starting XI through injury. He and the Brazillian might make up the league’s best centre-back duo, but perhaps William Saliba is chief among the individuals? Didn’t know too much about his goal though, with the ball striking the Frenchman’s back.

Jakub Kiwior – 6/10

There’s no mistaking his status in the squad as a backup option, but Jakub Kiwior kept things tidy at the back in Gabriel’s absence. Will likely have tougher tests in the weeks to come, should he be called upon again.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6/10

It had the potential to be a chaotic night for the international on ‘s left-hand side, by Oleksandr Zinchenko held his own up against Mason Mount. Subbed off midway through the second half.

Thomas Partey – 7/10

Ought to have opened the scoring himself during a goalless first half, but did pick up a somewhat fortunate assist for Saliba’s goal during a dominant second period. Kept things ticking over alongside trusty partner Rice in the centre of the park.

Declan Rice – 8/10

‘s set-piece threat is no secret but with the midfielder’s exquisite delivery from dead-ball situations, they’re largely unplayable. It’s a miracle from United’s point of view that only two of the Gunners’ several corner-kick routines came off.

Martin Odegaard – 8/10

Showed exactly what’s been missing from ‘s midfield for the majority of the season. Knows exactly when to put his foot on the gas and up the tempo. Subbed off to a rapturous reception late on.

– 6/10

While he’s been ‘s best player all season, it was an unusually quiet evening for the Englishman. Struggled to get the better of Tyrell Malacia in the first half and ought to have done better with the chances that came his way.

– 7/10

Tormented the United defenders with his constant movement at the tip of the attack. No goal, but his efforts didn’t go unnoticed as cut the gap at the top to seven points.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10

Might’ve popped up with a goal of his own on another day, but the Brazil international displayed a tireless work rate throughout the evening and was a constant up and down the left-hand side.

Leonardo Trossard (sub) – 6/10

Enjoyed plenty of space down the United left as their legs began to tire in the second half.

Mikel Merino (sub) – 6/10

Could’ve had a set-piece goal of his own, but skewed his header just wide of the far post.

Jorginho – N/A