5 Major Events That Happened Between Arsenal And Manchester United

In the FA Cup third-round match on Sunday, January 12, 2025, Manchester United edged past Arsenal in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Here are five major events from the game:

1. Bruno Fernandes’ Opening Goal: In the 52nd minute, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes capitalized on a counter-attack, firing a powerful shot past Arsenal’s goalkeeper to give United a 1-0 lead. 

2. Diogo Dalot’s Red Card: Shortly after the goal, United’s Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Gabriel Martinelli, reducing United to ten men in the 61st minute. 

3. Gabriel Magalhães’ Equalizer: Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães scored an acrobatic goal in the 63rd minute, leveling the score at 1-1. 

4. Altay Bayindir’s Penalty Save: Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty. However, United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, made a crucial save to deny Martin Ødegaard’s spot-kick, keeping the score level. 

5. Penalty Shootout Decider: With the match tied after extra time, it proceeded to a penalty shootout. Bayindir emerged as the hero again, saving Kai Havertz’s penalty. Joshua Zirkzee then converted the decisive spot-kick, securing a 5-3 shootout victory for Manchester United. 

Arsenal’s loss can be attributed to several factors:

– Missed Opportunities: Despite creating numerous chances, Arsenal failed to capitalize, including a missed penalty by Martin Ødegaard and squandered opportunities by Kai Havertz. 

– Defensive Lapses: A slip by Gabriel on the halfway line led to United’s goal, highlighting a momentary defensive error that proved costly. 

– Inability to Exploit Numerical Advantage: After Dalot’s red card, Arsenal couldn’t effectively break down United’s ten-man defense during regular and extra time. 

– Goalkeeping Heroics: United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, made crucial saves during the match and the penalty shootout, thwarting Arsenal’s attempts to secure a win. 

These elements combined led to Arsenal’s exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United.