Arsenal dubbed ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend as incredible heatmaps revealed

DIMITAR Berbatov has christened Arsenal “the new Stoke City” after their masterclass against Manchester United.

The Gunners, third in the Prem, cruised to an easy 2-0 victory over United thanks to two goals from corners last night.

Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a deft header.

William Saliba unknowingly scored the Gunners’ second goal

Arsenal dropped to third in the Prem, behind Chelsea on goal difference

Dimitar Berbatov watched Arsenal score twice from corners against United

This hilarious photo of Mikel Arteta faked as Tony Pulis makes the rounds on social media

Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock by glancing Declan Rice’s corner past Andre Onana in the 54th minute.

Arsenal then doubled their lead in similar fashion, this time on the opposite side when Bukayo Saka’s delivery to the back post was palmed away by Thomas Partey, with William Saliba providing the finishing touch.

Arsenal have scored 22 goals from set pieces since the start of last season, more than any other team in the Premier League.

And Mikel Arteta’s side show no signs of slowing down.

But it led to some stark comparisons from Berbatov, who suggested Arsenal were the modern version of Tony Pulis’ best.

Former United star Berbatov said Amazon Prime: “The Premier League is probably the only league in the world where there are so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving, causing chaos.

“Normally it will be a foul. Not here. You have to be strong.

“And that’s probably why Ruben Amorim was looking to the side, he was saying, ‘What’s going on with my goalie?’

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“You need to work on that. As we joke, Arsenal are the new Stoke City, aren’t they? Depending on set pieces, which can give you victory, as was the case today today.”

Gabriel has already scored three Prem goals from set pieces this season, but his absence was not missed as he sat out with a minor knock.

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Declan Rice’s map shows red at the corner of the flag

Arsenal’s first goal came from a Declan Rice corner, met by Jurrien Timber

Arsenal closed the gap on Prem leaders Liverpool to seven points after the Reds drew 3-3 at Newcastle on the same evening.

Stoke, meanwhile, were proud of their physicality under Pulis during his reign from 2006 to 2013.

Rory Delap’s long throw was often their main ammunition when it came to creating chances.

Some thought Arsenal’s opener – again from a corner – against West Ham on Saturday should have been ruled out.

Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who was covering the near post and could easily have headed in the cross.

Former Prem referee Mark Halsey told SunSport: “Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?

“For me, I think it was a clear free kick. And I’m surprised VAR didn’t recommend a review.”

Arsenal have scored 41 corners in the top flight since summer of 2021, seven more than anyone else.

It was the first time in 10 years that United had conceded two goals from a corner in a Prem match.

The last time was when Samuel Eto’o scored twice in Chelsea3-1 victory in January 2014.

Arsenal often line up at the far post, then flood the goal line for their corner routines

The Gunners are set-piece specialists

Bukayo Saka shows significant movement at right side corner

Amoirm, meanwhile, said: “The set pieces were a game-changer. We could have been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box.

“Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many chances for either team, the set pieces killed the game.

“They can put a lot of players close to the goalkeeper and it’s almost impossible to fight for the ball but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.

“We were committed and we lost from a set piece.”

There were only five shots in the first 45 minutes – three for Arsenal and two for United.

It was the fewest shots in the first half of a high-profile game so far this season.

Meanwhile, former Everton manager and current Portugal Boss Roberto Martinez backed Berbatov’s comments.

He said on Amazon Prime: “We all suffered through Stoke. I think it’s a great honor to remember Tony Pulis.”

Chelsea overtook Arsenal on goal difference, thanks to their 5-1 victory at Southampton.

And the Red Devils have dropped to 11th with Nottingham Forest traveling to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Rory Delap’s long throw was often used by Stoke during his time under Pulis

Stoke were famous for their physical approach to Prem matches under Tony Pulis

Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Man Utd manager

Arsenal vs Manchester United Ratings

ARSENAL comfortably won 2-0 against Manchester United at the Emirates thanks to two goals from set pieces.

Discover the players’ rating…

DAVID RAYA – 7/10
One of his worst games with the ball at his feet, scuffing clearances when he is usually so precise.

All that can be forgotten after a superb fingertip save to keep out De Ligt’s looping header.

OLEKSANDRE ZINCHENKO – 7
A reminder of why he’s such a valuable player these days. He came back from the cold with a strong, resolute performance at the back.

The only problem was a lack of concentration, which forced him to foul Amad and pick up an unnecessary yellow card.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 9
His defensive partner missed but you wouldn’t know it. Cool and calm under pressure with nice turns and lifts up and down the field.

So he deserved his chance to score the goal to make it 2-0 – Partey’s header from a corner deflected off his back.

JAKUB KIWIOR – 8
Physically struggled against Hojlund on United’s goal kicks and long balls, often letting the ball bounce instead of attacking it aerially like Gabriel does.

In saying that, he grew into his role and really made a change under pressure, even getting a high five from Saliba at one point.

JURRIEN WOOD – 8
The link-up with Saka on the right flank was not as smooth as in recent weeks, but he had the courage to win the match to open the scoring in the second half.

Switched late to left-back, further showing his versatility and usefulness for Arteta and Arsenal

THOMAS PARTEY – 7
He missed a keeper from a near-post corner that he shouldered early on and continued to have one of those games in midfield, giving up possession time and time again with sloppy passes.

Moved to right back with just 20 minutes left to help double their lead with his header for Saliba.

DECLAN RICE – 7
Struggled to assert his authority in the first half, but corrected that after the break, providing a corner assist for Timber.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Leads by example, even if he can’t sprinkle much magic into the proceedings. His pressing and complete work rate was more important in this one.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Got a decent chance from six yards after United failed to clear a corner. Was brought on in defense in the second half to help Zinchenko against Amad.

BUKAYO SAKA – 7
He pushed Malacia and Arsenal back onto the pitch with his superb runs in behind, a constant threat.

His corner skills – bringing Saliba up the gaol – are just another string to his bow.

KAI HAVERTZ – 6
A very discreet one from the German, even if he didn’t have much of a serve to exploit. He wore out his boots from running a lot and fought well with De Ligt and Maguire.

I missed a glorious opportunity to close out the one-on-one match with Onana.

SUBSCRIBERS:
MIKEL MERINO (ZINCHENKO, 70) – 7
He jumped brilliantly from another unmarked corner and no idea why he didn’t find the bottom corner.

LÉANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6
A few escapes almost created openings. The added energy on the left was well received.

JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 90) – N/A