Two set-piece goals was the trick to Arsenal getting an important victory against Manchester United on Wednesday, with manager Mikel Arteta praising his side’s determination to win after a troubling situation.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were both on the scoresheet from corners in the 2-0 win — a fourth straight win for Arsenal in all competitions, following a draw and successive losses before the international break.
Despite the absence of first choice centre back Gabriel due to injury, the Gunners were still a threat from set pieces and could have scored more than two goals.
Arteta, who cut a little smile after being quizzed yet again about his side’s efficiency from dead ball situations, admitted this sector of Arsenal’s game aids them becoming a more complete team.
“We want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play and we work on all of that,” he told newsmen.
“Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham, against Sporting, so the team really has that belief that from every angle we have the mentality to [cause] threat to the opponent and to try to score.”
Arsenal’s victory also came in handy as leaders Liverpool dropped two points in a draw at Newcastle United, meaning Arsenal cut the gap to seven points to the top.
Arteta stated he did not allow the fluctuating score in Liverpool’s match to affect his approach to Arsenal’s game, but said his team’s response to setbacks earlier in the season showed a positive mentality.
“The will to win is there,” he said. “We tried our best to do that. It’s true that we went through a lot in that period, [with] the schedule and the position that we played. A lot of things and you have to react.
“It’s about trying to do it next. Today, now we’ve won four in a row – it doesn’t matter, we have to go to Fulham and be better than them.”
