Manchester United have emerged as the Premier League’s new specialists in dead-ball situations, surpassing Arsenal following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
A spectacular volley from Patrick Dorgu secured three vital points for Ruben Amorim’s side at Old Trafford, propelling the Red Devils to fifth in the table while claiming a surprising statistical title from the Gunners.
Despite holding just 33 percent of possession on Friday night, United capitalized on the game’s decisive moment. Dorgu, the 21-year-old Danish international who arrived from Lecce earlier in 2025, reacted sharpest to a loose clearance before firing a thunderous effort past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from 15 yards out. The strike marked his first goal for the club, a milestone the youngster credited to his confidence and repetitive practice on the training ground.
Critically, the goal originated from a throw-in, bringing United’s tally of non-penalty set-piece goals to 13 this season. According to Opta data, this figure moves them past Leeds United and previous leaders Arsenal, who have found the net 11 times from similar scenarios.
Manager Ruben Amorim hailed the gritty performance as one of his most satisfying victories in his 13 months at the helm. Acknowledging that the team had to suffer to secure the clean sheet, the Portuguese coach praised the defensive commitment of his squad, noting how they put bodies on the line to protect their slender lead. He admitted the win was ugly compared to previous home performances where they played better but lost, yet emphasized that the resilience shown was crucial.
As the year draws to a close, league leaders Arsenal will look to respond against Brighton and Aston Villa, while Manchester United aim to build on this momentum when they host bottom-side Wolves on New Year’s Eve.