On January 25, 2026, Arsenal fans were left stunned at the Emirates Stadium. The Premier League leaders lost 2-3 to Manchester United in a wild game full of goals and drama. Arsenal had not lost at home all season, but Manchester United ended that run.
First Half: Arsenal Take the Lead
This was Manchester United’s first win at Arsenal in the league since 2005. This result cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to just four points and shook up the title race. Arsenal started strong and controlled the ball early on. They created chances from corners and free-kicks. In the 29th minute, they went ahead thanks to an own goal. Bukayo Saka crossed the ball, Martin Ødegaard shot, and United’s Lisandro Martínez sliced it into his own net. Arsenal led 1-0.
Man Utd fought back quickly. Just eight minutes later, Arsenal made a serious mistake. Martin Zubimendi passed the ball back poorly to goalkeeper David Raya. Hence, Bryan Mbeumo pounced and touched it past Raya, and scored to make it 1-1. Bryan Mbeumo joined Manchester United in the summer. He reached 50 Premier League goals with this strike. Arsenal had been the better team, but Manchester United’s quick reply changed the mood.
Second Half: United Strike First
After the break, Manchester United took the control. In the 50th minute, Patrick Dorgu got the ball in midfield, controlled a bounce (there was a quick check for handball, but it was allowed), and fired a rocket from 20 yards. The shot hit the underside of the bar and went in. United led 2-1. It was a stunning long-range goal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made big changes. He brought on his four substitutes at once. This included Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze, to push for an equalizer. The home side looked tired after playing many away games recently, but they kept fighting.
Late Drama and the Winner
With atleast 10 minutes left, Arsenal got a corner. There was a scramble in the box. Merino poked the ball over the line to make it 2-2 in the 84th minute. The Emirates erupted and Arsenal were back in it.
But the joy lasted only three minutes. Matheus Cunha from Man Utd ran forward, skipping past a defender, and curled a perfect shot from outside the area into the bottom corner. It was 2-3 in the 87th minute. Arsenal pushed in stoppage time. However, they could not find another goal. Manchester United held on for a famous win.
🚨‼️𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Over 700 million people worldwide watched Arsenal vs Manchester United today.
Becoming one of the most viewed Premier League matches so far! pic.twitter.com/xn9bchB25l
— TheEuropeanLad (@ThaEuropeanLad) January 25, 2026
Key Players and Moments
Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu were heroes for Manchester United with their goals. Cunha’s late strike was pure magic. For Arsenal, Saka worked hard, and Merino’s equaliser showed fight. But errors, like Zubimendi’s pass, cost them dearly. United’s defence, led by Harry Maguire, stayed strong under pressure.
This was Manchester United’s first comeback win at Arsenal in the Premier League after trailing in 12 previous visits (they lost 11 before). Arsenal conceded three or more goals at home for the first time in over two years.
Impact on the Title Race
Arsenal were seven points clear before the game. Now, their lead is down to four over rivals like Manchester City. Manchester United, under new boss Michael Carrick, jumped to fourth place. Carrick said his team showed “passion and character.” Arteta admitted United deserved it but urged his players to bounce back.
Arsenal face tough games ahead, including in the Champions League. This loss is a wake-up call. United’s win proves that no team is safe, even the leaders can suffer at home. Football fans will remember this thriller for a long time.
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