With a vital equalizer and a last-ditch tackle to prevent Rasmus Højlund a late victory, Declan Rice was instrumental in Arsenal 1-1 draw against Man United at Old Trafford. Arsenal’s slender Premier League title ambitions are kept alive by the outcome, but the Gunners remain 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool with a game in hand and a trip to Anfield yet to go.
While his timely intervention on Højlund in the 84th minute guaranteed Arsenal saved a point, Rice’s 74th-minute strike negated Bruno Fernandes’ first-half goal from a free kick. In stoppage time, Manchester United almost grabbed a winner; but, David Raya made an amazing save to grab a close-range attempt from Fernandes.
The Title Race Hangs of Arsenal by Thread
Arsenal’s chances seem dismal even if they have not given up the championship battle. With half of the season yet to go, the Gunners’ tenth draw of the season leaves them with a mountain to climb. Defensive inconsistencies and injuries to important attacking players have hampered their capacity to conduct a continuous winning streak.
Raya had a mixed performance, which helped United reach their target with bad positioning before making key saves to keep Arsenal afloat. Rice, meantime, distinguished himself in attack and defense, but his heroics might not be sufficient to stop Arsenal from failing in the championship run. Liverpool needs just five wins and a draw from their last nine games to claim the title; Arsenal must catch up with almost miraculous performance.
Positive Signs for Amorim Despite Another Home Failure
Though another disappointing home result, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United showed promise. Thanks to Fernandes’ well-taken free kick, United lead a Premier League match at half for the first time since December 1. They also showed better organization, therefore restricting Arsenal’s chances even with 68% possession lost.
Signed from Arsenal in January, Youngster Ayden Heaven showed potential in the second half; Alejandro Garnacho performed well following a trying period. Even seasoned players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen made a difference, as Fernandes confirmed his talisman-like function for United. Though United lost a home game, the performance gave hope that Amorim’s team could at last be coming around.
Left-Back Problems of Arsenal Still Exist
Arsenal’s left-back issues have been a constant source of concern; Sunday’s game underlined their continuous challenges in that regard. Recently losing his spot to 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, a £42 million summer acquisition, clearly struggled against Garnacho. Calafiori gave away possession for Fernandes’ goal from a free kick, which resulted his substitution just before the hour mark.
Though Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has noted that Lewis-Skelly still has much to learn, he is a great talent. Arsenal’s left-back issue is still a weakness, which calls questions over their defensive consistency in pivotal games even if he displayed flashes of attacking prowess.
Absolute scenes when Bruno Fernandes whipped in that Free-Kick for Manchester United vs Arsenal!😳😫😍
FULL TIME: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal pic.twitter.com/V4OxfbTlXq
— Football Fans Tribe 🇳🇬 ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) March 9, 2025
Højlund and Zirkzee Fight to Lead Attack for United
Still a big issue for Manchester United is their striking choices. Between them this season, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just five Premier League goals; neither has found the net in league action since December. Beyond goal-scoring, both players have been poor at sustaining play and offering a focal point for attack.
Zirkzee’s failure to defeat Arsenal’s defenders in aerial duels constantly puts United under strain; his inconsistent first touch compromises his aggressive style. Given their present forwards are unable to relieve pressure on the midfield and defense, United clearly needs a more complete striker.
Sterling’s Arsenal Future Controversial
The loan move Raheem Sterling made to Arsenal has not gone as intended. Once more an unused substitute, the former Chelsea winger left-back Kieran Tierney preferred off the bench instead. Sterling has struggled to have an impact despite Arsenal’s attacking injuries; he only has one assist in 12 Premier League games.
With Gabriel Martinelli recovering from injury and Arteta apparently lacking trust in Sterling, the 30-year-old’s contribution for the rest of the season seems restricted. His lack of impact begs questions about his long-term prospects whenever he gets back to Chelsea during the summer.
De Ligt Rising as a Leader at United
Among Manchester United’s few bright points this season is Matthijs de Ligt. First finding it difficult to fit the Premier League, the Dutch defender has developed under Amorim into a consistent player.De Ligt may not excel in speed or ball-playing skill, but he has demonstrated grit and leadership, proving absolutely crucial—especially with several defensive injuries weakening the team.
De Ligt has taken front stage as a defensive leader while Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, and Jonny Evans are injured. His performance against Arsenal highlighted his rising impact and gave Man United some much-needed rear stability.
Final Thought
Arsenal draw at Old Trafford against Man United might have maintained their hopes for a title, but only just. Their championship aspirations remain on life support with a frightening distance to Liverpool and continuous squad flaws. United’s problems at home persist, but hints of improvement under Amorim point to better days. Both teams have important obstacles ahead that will determine their immediate and long-term destinies as the season draws to an end.
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