Manchester United brought an end to their four-match Premier League away losing streak with a dramatic 3-2 win over Arsenal, a result shaped by errors, moments of brilliance and one extraordinary late goal.
Arsenal arrived on a wave of momentum. Their midweek European victory had extended an unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions, and there was a sense that the Emirates had become close to untouchable. United, meanwhile, travelled south with confidence after a 2-0 win over Manchester City in Michael Carrick’s first match in charge.
For much of the opening half hour, the contest felt cagey rather than electric. Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to stretch United, who sat compact and waited for transitions. The breakthrough came from misfortune rather than invention, Lisandro Martinez diverting the ball into his own net to hand the hosts the lead.
What followed summed up United’s evening. They created little, yet capitalised ruthlessly on the one mistake Arsenal made. Martin Zubimendi’s wayward back pass released Bryan Mbeumo, who showed impressive composure to beat David Raya and level the match.
Cunha delivers moment of magic
United started the second half with intent and were rewarded almost immediately. Patrick Dorgu’s half volley from distance flew past Raya, a strike that owed little to fortune and much to technique.
Arsenal pushed, probed and eventually found their equaliser late on through Mikel Merino, who finished from close range after sustained pressure. At that point, a draw seemed the fair outcome.
Then came the moment that decided everything. Matheus Cunha, introduced from the bench, picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a thunderous strike that gave Raya no chance. It was the kind of goal that changes narratives, a reminder that individual quality still matters in a sport obsessed with structure.
United held on, inflicting Arsenal’s first home league defeat of the season and adding a statement result to Carrick’s early tenure.
Photo: IMAGO
Carrick influence already visible
There is still plenty for United to refine, particularly in midfield where they were often second best. However, the defensive organisation looked sharper, and there was a clarity about their counter-attacking approach.
Arsenal will be more frustrated with themselves than with the opposition. Zubimendi’s error was costly, and several attacking players failed to reach their usual levels. In matches of this type, small margins become decisive, and Arsenal discovered that even dominance offers no guarantees.
Player Ratings Arsenal vs Man United
Arsenal
David Raya 5
Jurrien Timber 5
William Saliba 7
Gabriel Magalhaes 6
Piero Hincapie 5
Declan Rice 7
Martin Zubimendi 4
Martin Odegaard 5
Bukayo Saka 5
Leandro Trossard 5
Gabriel Jesus 3
Substitutes:
Viktor Gyokeres 4
Mikel Merino 7
Eberechi Eze 4
Noni Madueke 3
Manager:
Mikel Arteta 5
Manchester United
Senne Lammens 6
Diogo Dalot 6
Harry Maguire 7
Lisandro Martinez 7
Luke Shaw 7
Casemiro 5
Kobbie Mainoo 5
Patrick Dorgu 8
Bruno Fernandes 6
Amad Diallo 4
Bryan Mbeumo 7
Substitutes:
Matheus Cunha 9
Manager:
Michael Carrick 8
This was not a flawless performance from United, but it was an effective one. Arsenal controlled long spells, yet United owned the decisive moments. In the end, football rarely rewards control alone, and Cunha’s strike ensured that this match will be remembered for years.