Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players in their clash with Manchester United
18:26, 25 Jan 2026
Arsenal frustrated in their Premier League clash with Manchester United
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Arsenal frustrated in their Premier League clash with Manchester United(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal were dealt a damaging home defeat at the hands of an inspired Manchester United as a late goal from Matheus Cunha beat David Raya.
The Gunners took the lead courtesy of an own goal, the sixth across all competitions after Martin Odegaard’s intuitive cross was deflected in past Senne Lammens by Lisandro Martinez. However, Bruno Fernandes could’ve levelled soon after with two chances but saw the first sail wide and the second brilliantly interfered with by a slide William Saliba.
But Bryan Mbeumo then did after Martin Zubimendi passed the ball back into the path of the Cameroonian forward, who slotted in gratefully. Patrick Dorgu’s long-range strike then gave the visitors a shock lead.
Mikel Merino then stabbed in late on after a Saka corner dropped to the Spaniard. But hearts were broken as Cunha fired in from long range.
Here is how fooball.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
David Raya – Was perhaps caught in two minds when the ball came to Mbeumo for the goal. 5
Jurrien Timber – Was combining well with Saka in the opening thirty, but like the others, trailed off. 5
William Saliba – An initial mistake, but slid in to recover well and prevent a Bruno Fernandes shot from finding the target. 6
Gabriel – Was so close to making the block for the United equaliser, sliding in just a split-second too late. 6
Piero Hincapie – Started the game but was hooked early in the second half. 5
Martin Zubimendi – Close-range header from the midfielder from a Rice free-kick that forced a save from Lammens. Horrendous error which gifted Bryan Mbeumo a free goal and was taken off early in the second half. 4
Declan Rice – A brilliant delivery for the free-kick, which led to the Zubimendi header. Showed great determination in the middle with interceptions and tackles, trying to force his team up the pitch. 6
Martin Odegaard – It was the skipper’s touch which forced the opening goal. However, he was taken off for Eze in the second half after another tricky game. 5
Bukayo Saka – Got plenty of joy in the opening stages, getting in behind the United back line. Moved to the left side after Madueke came on, but it was his corner which eventually led to the Gunners’ second goal. 6
Gabriel Jesus – After such a good performance in Milan, the first half against United could not have been more different, with poor touches and passes on show. 5
Leandro Trossard – Was largely ineffective in the game despite trying to find ways in behind. 5
Substitutes:
Eberechi Eze – Came on and tried to find a way through but was largely ineffective again. 4
Ben White – Tried to find the link-up with Saka but the connection lacked the right execution. 5
Viktor Gyokeres – Came on for Jesus and fought hard but could do little to influence the result.
Mikel Merino – In the right place at the right time once again, forcing in the ball after a Saka corner. 7
Noni Madueke – Came onto the right hand side but couldn’t control the ball well enough when it mattered. 4
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