Arsenal 1 – 1 (PEN 3 – 5) Manchester United
Manchester United triumphed over Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout after an intense 120-minute battle. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir stood as the wall against Arsenal’s relentless attack, making crucial saves during the shootout to secure United’s victory.
The match saw an early breakthrough for United when Bruno Fernandes scored a brilliant goal early in the second half. However, chaos followed as United found themselves reduced to 10 men, and Arsenal equalized shortly after. The Gunners also had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but they failed to capitalize on a penalty chance.
After holding off Arsenal’s fierce pressure, United managed to drag the match into penalties. The shootout saw United convert all five of their penalties, with Bayindir’s saves—particularly denying Kai Havertz—sealing the win.
The match had been evenly contested, with Arsenal dominating possession and firing 26 shots, but only seven on target. United, with just seven shots, managed to find four on target, ultimately clinching the win in the shootout.
The game started with a major setback for Arsenal when Gabriel Jesus suffered an injury in the 38th minute after a challenge on Fernandes. Jesus was stretchered off, and Raheem Sterling replaced him.
The game came to life in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Fernandes opened the scoring with a powerful shot from the right after a precise pass from Alejandro Garnacho. However, United’s joy was short-lived as they lost defender Diogo Dalot to a second yellow card just minutes later.
Arsenal quickly leveled in the 62nd minute through Gabriel Magalhães, who pounced on a failed clearance in the box. The Gunners had another chance to take the lead when Harry Maguire fouled Kai Havertz in the box, but Martin Ødegaard’s penalty was saved by Bayindir.
Despite constant pressure from Arsenal, they could not break through. The match ended in a tense shootout, with United emerging victorious after a series of perfect penalties, while Arsenal’s hopes were dashed, and their winless streak extended to four matches.
This loss came after their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final, leaving Arsenal to face another setback, this time in the FA Cup.
