Manchester United dealt a heavy blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title race with a thrilling 3-2 win over leaders Arsenal thanks to Matheus Cunha’s superb goal on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez’s own goal gave Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium, but Brian Mbemo equalized before half-time.
advertise
Patrick Dolgu’s fine finish gave United the lead after the break until Mikel Merino’s late equalizer salvaged a point for Arsenal.
Brazilian striker Cunha secured the dramatic victory with an eye-catching strike three minutes from time.
It was Arsenal’s first defeat in 13 games in all competitions since losing to Aston Villa in December.
The Gunners suffered their first home defeat in 18 games in all competitions since losing to Bournemouth in May.
Arsenal are now just four points above second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa, who closed the gap with wins over Wolves and Newcastle respectively at the weekend.
advertise
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola this week called Arsenal “the best team in the world” but Arsenal’s three-game winless run in the league has breathed new life into the title race.
Arsenal still control their own destiny, but goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have sparked concerns among their anxious fans in another shock result for manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta has not lifted a trophy since the FA Cup in 2020 and Arsenal have not won the title in 22 years and will face a test of their mettle in the coming weeks after blowing the lead in their previous title race.
United’s first win at the Emirates Stadium since December 2017 continued an impressive start to Michael Carrick’s interim reign.
advertise
Former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, who has temporarily replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim, began his tenure with a 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend.
Amorim has orchestrated wins over the top two to lift United into fourth after a tumultuous managerial career.
– The thorn in the story –
Arsenal’s relentless early pressure paid off in the 29th minute.
It was a confusing goal for United, starting with Dolgu’s failure to clear from Piero Hincapi’s cross.
Bukayo Saka pounced on Martin Odegaard and although the Arsenal captain misfired, Martinez made a clearance under pressure from Urien Timber with the ball bouncing off the United defender’s heel.
advertise
Arsenal had not had a single shot on target in their first two league games.
However, if Arsenal’s first game was Manchester United’s winner, then the Gunners made a more careless mistake in the 37th minute.
Zubimendi’s back pass was caught by Mbeumo, who rounded Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and fired home.
Mbeumo’s ninth goal in all competitions since joining Brentford saw the Cameroon striker make gradual progress in his first season at United.
Arsenal completely ran out of steam and Carrick’s side took full advantage five minutes after the break.
advertise
Bruno Fernandez picked out Dolgu, who took a touch and fired into the top corner from 20 yards.
Arsenal appealed for Dolgu’s handball but VAR allowed the goal to stand and a worrying silence fell at the Emirates Stadium.
The 21-year-old’s second goal in consecutive games vindicated Carrick’s decision to switch him from defense to attack.
To their credit, Arsenal refused to surrender and they equalized in the 84th minute.
Arsenal’s set pieces did their damage again, with Lamence failing to catch Saka’s corner kick and Merino firing home from close range.
However, Arsenal’s story took a sting in the 87th minute.
Fernandez and Coby Mainu set up Cunha for a brilliant shot that sailed past Raya from 25 yards.
mg/lead
