Matheus Cunha’s late strike handed Manchester United a thrilling 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, dealing a major blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.
In a high-octane match, Arsenal took the lead through a bizarre Lisandro Martinez own goal in the 29th minute. However, United responded before halftime as Bryan Mbeumo capitalized on a defensive blunder to equalize.
Patrick Dorgu’s stunning long-range strike early in the second half seemed to put United in control, but Mikel Merino’s close-range header in the 84th minute leveled the score for Arsenal.
Just when it seemed like the Gunners would salvage a point, Cunha stepped up with a brilliant 25-yard drive three minutes from time, sealing a memorable win for the visitors.
The result marked Arsenal’s first defeat in 13 games across all competitions and their first home loss in 18 matches. The defeat leaves them just four points clear of second-place Manchester City and third-place Aston Villa, who both secured wins this weekend.
While Arsenal still control their destiny, their three-game winless run has reignited the title race, raising concerns for manager Mikel Arteta, who is yet to win a trophy since lifting the 2020 FA Cup. The Gunners now face a critical stretch, having previously squandered significant leads in past title challenges.
For United, the victory at the Emirates continued interim manager Michael Carrick’s impressive start. After taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim, Carrick has led United to wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, lifting them into fourth place in the Premier League standings.
Early Arsenal pressure
The match began with relentless pressure from Arsenal, and their efforts paid off in the 29th minute. A poorly cleared cross from Piero Hincapie was mishandled by United’s defense, with Martinez inadvertently deflecting the ball into his own net under pressure from Jurrien Timber.
Despite the gift of an early lead, Arsenal’s defensive fragility soon became evident. In the 37th minute, an under-hit back pass from Martin Zubimendi was pounced on by Mbeumo, who calmly rounded goalkeeper David Raya to fire into an empty net.
Dorgu’s wonder strike and late drama
United took the lead just after the restart, as Bruno Fernandes set up Dorgu for a sensational strike from outside the box that nestled into the top corner. Arsenal’s appeals for a handball were waved away by VAR, and the goal stood, sending the United fans into raptures.
But Arsenal refused to go down without a fight. They grabbed an equalizer in the 84th minute following a corner from Bukayo Saka, which was mishandled by United goalkeeper Lammens, allowing Merino to bundle the ball over the line.
Just when it seemed like Arsenal might salvage a point, Cunha’s brilliant strike from 25 yards out in the 87th minute dashed their hopes. The Brazilian forward’s clinical finish capped a memorable performance for United, ensuring the three points and keeping the pressure on Arsenal in the title race.
AFP
