Arsenal Vs Manchester United FA Cup Match Report

The United goalkeeper, standing in for the injured Andre Onana, saved a penalty from Martin Ødegaard during regular time and then denied Kai Havertz in the shootout. Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly on a day they will want to forget.

Bruno Fernandes had put United ahead early in the second half, but their lead was short-lived after Diogo Dalot was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Mikel Merino, leaving them a man down.

Gabriel Magalhães quickly leveled for Arsenal, but despite creating several chances, they failed to capitalize and take the lead in normal time, eventually succumbing to the penalty shootout.

United were flawless from the spot, with Josua Zirkzee converting the decisive penalty in front of a jubilant away crowd.

It was a bitter blow for Mikel Arteta’s side, who remain without a trophy for over five years.

This defeat came just days after their 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.

For United, the victory came as a welcome improvement following a string of disappointing results, including four straight losses across all competitions.

Their 2-2 draw at Liverpool last weekend hinted at a revival, and they stuck to a similar game plan at the Emirates, content to absorb pressure and counter-attack when possible.

The first half was uneventful, with little offensive threat from either side. Gabriel Martinelli had a goal ruled out for offside, and Arsenal’s injury woes continued when Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off with a suspected serious knee injury before the break.

The second half, however, was a different story. United struck quickly after the restart, with Alejandro Garnacho capitalizing on a mistake by Gabriel to set up Fernandes, who thundered a shot into the top corner.

Without the injured Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s attack lacked bite and creativity, and they were punished when Dalot’s rash challenge on Merino resulted in a second yellow card and an early exit from the match.

Arsenal capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Gabriel Magalhães scoring from a deflected shot after Bayindir had mishandled a cross from Martinelli.

The Gunners were handed another chance when Harry Maguire was penalized for a controversial foul on Havertz, sparking a confrontation between the players. But Bayindir redeemed himself with a brilliant save to deny Ødegaard’s penalty.

In the final moments of regulation, Bayindir was again called upon to keep United in the game, first by tipping over a header from Declan Rice, and then by watching Havertz miss an open goal and Rice shoot just wide.

Extra time saw United continue to hold firm, with Bayindir playing a key role in keeping them in the tie. Even when Zirkzee’s deflected shot was saved by Arsenal keeper David Raya, United held their nerve in the penalty shootout.

Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, and Zirkzee all converted, securing a dramatic win for the visitors.