Manchester United vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Fernandes 45+2’; Rice 74’

Arsenal came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League, marking the second consecutive head-to-head (H2H) fixture between the sides to end level after 90 minutes.

The result also sees the Red Devils halt a four-match losing streak in league meetings with the Gunners.

Arsenal Dominate Early Exchanges But United Strike First

Fresh off their impressive midweek victory over PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal started brightly at Old Trafford and nearly took an early lead when Mikel Merino’s 10th-minute effort flashed just wide.

While Alejandro Garnacho posed occasional threats down the right flank, the Gunners controlled possession and tested United’s defensive resolve.

Martin Ødegaard saw his long-range effort comfortably saved by André Onana, while Thomas Partey also tried his luck from distance without success.

Leandro Trossard had two promising openings, first dragging a shot wide before failing to capitalise on Ødegaard’s clever dinked pass, with his attempted finish landing safely in Onana’s grasp.

Despite Arsenal’s control, United took the lead against the run of play just before half-time. Garnacho won a free-kick in a dangerous position, and Bruno Fernandes produced a moment of brilliance, curling the set-piece into the top corner with United’s first shot on target of the match.

Arsenal Respond After the Break as Rice Finds the Equaliser

United made a notable substitution at half-time, introducing Ayden Heaven for his Premier League debut. The 18-year-old, who joined from Arsenal in January, settled in quickly as the Red Devils sought to protect their advantage.

Arsenal, however, remained on the front foot, with Ødegaard and Declan Rice both testing Onana from corner variations. At the other end, United’s wing-backs combined, as Diogo Dalot set up Noussair Mazraoui, whose powerful shot was brilliantly saved by David Raya.

The Arsenal goalkeeper then denied Joshua Zirkzee’s instinctive flick, keeping the visitors in contention.

As the game entered the final stretch, Arsenal finally found the clinical touch they had been searching for. Jurriën Timber picked out Rice on the edge of the box, and the midfielder rifled a first-time effort in off the post to bring the Gunners level.

Late Chances but No Winner as Both Goalkeepers Stand Firm

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Onana made a crucial save to palm Gabriel Martinelli’s strike past the post, while Arsenal’s defenders were equally resolute.

Rice and Gabriel Magalhães made key interventions to deny Rasmus Højlund in the box, and Raya produced a brilliant stoppage-time save to prevent Fernandes from snatching victory for United.

Arsenal Lose Ground in Title Race as United Move Up a Place

The result marks Arsenal’s second consecutive PL draw, leaving them 15 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, significantly denting their title aspirations.

Meanwhile, Manchester United recorded their third draw in their last four matches across all competitions, but the point was enough to lift them one place higher in the league standings.

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Man Utd v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League