Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the Premier League table has been reduced to four points after a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday evening.
The Gunners entered the encounter under pressure, knowing that both Manchester City and Aston Villa had already recorded victories earlier in the weekend. City secured a 2–0 home win over Wolves, while Villa claimed a similar result against Newcastle United.
Arsenal started brightly, pinning United back with a series of early set-pieces. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was forced into action, pushing Martin Zubimendi’s close-range header over the crossbar. The visitors took the lead in the 29th minute in fortuitous fashion when Lisandro Martínez sliced Martin Ødegaard’s shot into his own net while attempting to clear.
However, errors soon crept into Arsenal’s play. Despite William Saliba’s sliding challenge initially unsettling Bruno Fernandes, a poor pass from Zubimendi was intercepted by Bryan Mbeumo, who rounded goalkeeper David Raya and calmly slotted home to equalise in the 37th minute.
Arsenal’s situation worsened five minutes into the second half when Patrick Dorgu combined neatly with Fernandes, allowing the Dutchman to unleash a sensational strike that swerved off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.
The Gunners responded with increased urgency, with Lammens tipping Bukayo Saka’s powerful effort around the post. From the resulting corner, a goalmouth scramble followed, but Matheus Cunha failed to clear Mikel Merino’s close-range stab off the line.
Cunha would have the final word, however, curling a sublime effort around Gabriel and into the bottom-right corner to spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
