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Manchester United humble noisy Arsenal at Emirates
25th January, 2026 09:36 PM
Manchester United pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, overturning a tense encounter with a late winner from Matheus Cunha.
The match started with Arsenal taking the lead in the 29th minute under unusual circumstances. Lisandro Martínez inadvertently turned a cross from Piero Hincapié into his own net, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Arsenal appeared to be in control, but Manchester United responded quickly. Just eight minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a defensive error to level the score, making it 1-1 and ensuring the first half ended evenly contested.
The second half saw United come out with renewed energy. In the 50th minute, Patrick Dorgu put the visitors ahead, finishing from close range after a precise assist from Bruno Fernandes. Arsenal struggled to regain composure, and United appeared increasingly confident in their defensive setup.
However, Arsenal fought back. In the 84th minute, Mikel Merino converted a loose ball in the penalty area following a chaotic set piece, restoring parity at 2-2 and giving the home fans hope that their team could still claim a point.
The Emirates erupted in anticipation of a tense finish.
The drama reached its climax just three minutes later. Matheus Cunha received the ball 25 yards from goal, took one touch, and fired a curling strike into the bottom corner, leaving the Arsenal goalkeeper rooted and the home crowd stunned.
Cunha’s goal secured a 3-2 win for United, completing one of the Premier League’s most thrilling finishes of the season.
Manchester United held firm in the remaining minutes, with Lisandro Martínez making a crucial late tackle to deny Bukayo Saka as Arsenal pushed desperately for another equaliser during seven minutes of added time.
The result marks a remarkable start for interim manager Michael Carrick, who has now beaten Arsenal and Manchester City and drawn with Chelsea in just five games in charge. For Arsenal, the defeat is a major setback in their title campaign, while for Manchester United, Cunha’s late brilliance and the team’s resilience underline a stunning revival under Carrick.
