Matheus Cunha scored a dramatic late winner for Manchester United as they defeated Premier League leaders Arsenal in a five-goal thriller at Emirates Stadium. That was Red Devils’ first victory at the Emirates since 2017.
The Gunners’ first home defeat of the season, following wins for their title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa, means their lead has been narrowed to four points.
Arsenal had started the match extremely well, taking the lead when United defender Lisandro Martinez put the ball into his own net in the 29th minute.
The hosts gifted Manchester United a route back into the match when Martin Zubimendi’s loose pass put Bryan Mbeumo through on goal and the United striker calmly went past David Raya and put the ball into an empty net.
United then shocked the home side, taking the lead five minutes into the second half through a superb strike from Patrick Dorgu, who hammered in a shot off the underside of the crossbar.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tried to force a turnaround in the match as he made a quadruple change, throwing on Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Ben White. It was Merino who thought he had rescued at least a point when he bundled in from a corner in the 84th minute.
However, just three minutes later, substitute Cunha picked up a pass from Kobbie Mainoo and curled a superb strike into the bottom corner from about 25 yards out. SS s
The win moves Manchester United into fourth place.
This is undoubtedly a blow to the Gunners who will feel it is a missed opportunity to maintain a significant gap at the top of the table.
Arsenal had chances in the last two rounds of Premier League fixtures to further extend the gap between themselves and their rivals but after two goalless draws and now a loss to United, the difference is only four points.
It is still a strong position for the Gunners but one that could be even better if Arteta’s side had taken the opportunities given to them.
Cunha’s stunner seals Man United’s first win in nine years at Emirates
