January 12, 2025
With over 10 set pieces Arsenal played against Manchester United, the specialist couldn’t register a goal or shot on target in those attempts. The game ended 5-4 via penalties as 10-man Manchester United extended their stay in the competition to the fourth round, and they will play against former manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City.
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead in the 52nd minute after Alejandro Garnacho stole the ball from Timber some meters off the midfield and dropped a solo pass to the Skipper, who fired to the top right corner.
Diogo Dalot’s red card came as a shock in the 61st minute before Arsenal levelled two minutes later from Gabriel Magalhaes.
Earlier before the game, many would have thought Manchester United would pack goals, shame, and defeat inside their basket at the Emirate Stadium, but it didn’t go as planned and justice for United.
Arsenal’s 6-4 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday is their second loss in the last four days across all competitions. The defeat also sent the Gunners off two major competitions in England, another reason to test Arteta’s competitiveness this season. Sunday’s defeat also means that Arsenal have been eliminated from the third round three consecutive times for the first time since the 1995/1996 season.
After contending for the EPL title last season, Arsenal are currently scrambling in the third position, and it doesn’t look as if that would have been their permanent fate.
Speaking about another “well-fought” defeat at the Emirate, aside from the scoring issue, Arsenal controlled the entirety of the game.
Firstly, Arsenal registered 26 shots, 19 more than Manchester United, who recorded seven, but when it comes to effectiveness, United had more than 50% of their shots on target. Arsenal, on the other hand, targeted only seven shots on spots, while the other 19 were wasteful—one of which was Kai Harvetz’s close-range one-on-one with Atay Bayindir.
Against Newcastle, Arsenal registered 23 attempts on goal and only six on target.
No doubt, Arteta’s boys controlled the game like every other day; 71% possession isn’t a fluke; unfortunately, the same equation of depth beckons on the London team. Since the absence of Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s best performers this season, the club has been struggling.
Another means to punish opponents was set pieces, but Arsenal performed poorly on Sunday night. 12 corners were played by Arsenal, and only 20% were on target among the dead-ball attempts. The free kicks were also the same.
Odegaard’s penalty in the 72nd minute would have buried every lapse from Arsenal in the entire game. The discussion would have been what’s next for the Gunners in the fourth round. But Bayindir showed a more excellent way to do things.
Declan Rice’s point-blank header in the 76th minute, saved again by Bayindir, was another lifeline for Arsenal to silence Manchester United.
Another Rice’s shot in the extra-time tipping off the post could have given a sweet ending. All these moments would be ringing in the minds of Arsenal’s fans and Arteta as the new week goes on.
But will this affliction cease or continue? Gunners return to the EPL with injury concerns, especially Gabriel Jesus, who left the pitch in the first half.
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