Manchester United defeated fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with 10 men in Sunday’s FA Cup third round action at the Emirates Stadium, Afrosport reports.
Gabriel Martinelli taught he had scored the opener after he put the ball behind the net in the 18th minute only to see the offside flag up.
Gabriel Jesus was hit in the face by Lisandro Martinez’s elbow and also got caught again from Bruno Fernandes and was subbed of after being unable to continue.
The first half did have much action as Arsenal were the team seeing the ball more and controlling the possession however United had more shots on goal.
Manchester United netted the first goal of the game early into the second half as Alejandro Garnacho found Fernandes who shot to the top right corner of the net.
Three minutes later Kai Harvertz got a glorious chance to equalise but blew it away after he shot narrowly to the side of the post.
The tension in the game increased when Diogo Dalot who was already on a yellow card received a second yellow in the 61st minute after he made a risky slide tackle on Mikel Merino.
Two minutes later Arsenal brought the game level as Gabriel’s deflected effort got past goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
The hosts started pressing for a winner as they exploited United’s numerical disadvantage and were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute after Harry Maguire made a reckless tackle. However, Martin Odegaard failed to convert thanks to Bayindir’s save.
With just 13 minutes of normal time left to play a brilliant cross found Declan Rice who nodded straight at goal but Bayindir was equal to the task coming to United’s rescue once more.
With just a minute left, Harvertz missed another big chance as his shot went over the bar. Rice came close again as Bayindir stood firm when his shot was tipped away.
Manchester United almost snatched the victory in extra time when Joshua Zirkzee picked up a pass deep into the box before he unleashed a low drive that Raya kept out.
Off it went to the penalty shootout and all United players scored their spot kicks while Havertz missed for Arsenal to give Red Devils the victory.
The charge for back-to-back cups is underway…#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/mGPiy2kA6q
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 12, 2025
United will face Leicester City at home in the next FA Cup round.
