Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking late defeat at home against Manchester United as Mikel Arteta's side saw their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to four points
19:02, 25 Jan 2026Updated 19:04, 25 Jan 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Mikel Merino of Arsenal reacts after he had scored the equalising goal (2-2) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Arsenal suffered late defeat against Manchester United(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal suffered a crushing home defeat to a rampant Manchester United side as Matheus Cunha's late strike broke Gunners hearts and left David Raya beaten.
The North Londoners had taken the initiative through an own goal - their sixth across all competitions - when Martin Odegaard's clever delivery was unfortunately diverted past Senne Lammens by Lisandro Martinez. Bruno Fernandes nearly restored parity moments later with a brace of opportunities, but sent his first effort wayward before seeing his second superbly thwarted by a sliding William Saliba intervention.
Bryan Mbeumo then found the equaliser after Martin Zubimendi played the ball back into the Cameroonian striker's path, allowing him to finish with aplomb. Patrick Dorgu's spectacular long-distance effort then stunned the Emirates by putting the visitors ahead.
Manchester United's English defender #23 Luke Shaw (2nd L) grabs the arm of Arsenal's Brazilian striker #09 Gabriel Jesus (C) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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The Gunners have lost their seven point gap at the top of the Premier League(Image: BEN STANSALL, AFP via Getty Images)
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Mikel Merino appeared to have salvaged a point when he pounced late on from a Saka corner that fell kindly to the Spanish midfielder. Yet devastation followed as Cunha unleashed a thunderous effort from distance to seal victory. Here's how the Daily Star Sport rated the Arsenal players' displays.
David Raya – Appeared hesitant when Mbeumo's goal arrived, seemingly caught between decisions. 5
Jurrien Timber – Linked up effectively with Saka during the opening half-hour before his influence waned. 5
William Saliba – Made an early error but recovered brilliantly with a crucial slide tackle to deny Bruno Fernandes a clear sight of goal. 6
Gabriel – Came agonisingly close to blocking United's leveller, diving in just a fraction too late. 6
Piero Hincapie – Featured from the start but was withdrawn early in the second period. 5
Martin Zubimendi – The midfielder's close-range header from a Rice free-kick forced a save from Lammens, but a dreadful error gifted Bryan Mbeumo a free goal. He was substituted early in the second half. 4
Declan Rice – His superb delivery for the free-kick led to the Zubimendi header. He showed great determination in midfield with interceptions and tackles, pushing his team up the pitch. 6
Martin Odegaard – The captain's touch led to the opening goal. However, he was replaced by Eze in the second half after another challenging game. 5
Bukayo Saka – He found plenty of opportunities in the early stages, getting behind the United defence. He moved to the left side after Madueke came on, but it was his corner that led to Arsenal's second goal. 6
Gabriel Jesus – After an impressive performance in Milan, his first half against United was a stark contrast, with poor touches and passes evident. 5
Leandro Trossard – Despite attempts to find ways in behind, he was largely ineffective in the game. 5
Substitutes:
Eberechi Eze – Came on and tried to make an impact but was largely ineffective once again. 4
Ben White – Attempted to link up with Saka but the connection lacked precision. 5
Viktor Gyokeres – Replaced Jesus and fought hard but had little influence on the result. 5
Mikel Merino – Once again in the right place at the right time, forcing in the ball after a Saka corner. 6
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Noni Madueke – Entered on the right flank but failed to get a proper grip on the ball when it counted. 4