In a thrilling FA Cup third-round match on January 12, 2025, Manchester United edged past Arsenal in a penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 5-3 victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The first half was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. The game sprang to life in the second half when Bruno Fernandes put United ahead in the 52nd minute, curling a shot into the net after a swift counter-attack initiated by Alejandro Garnacho.
The momentum shifted dramatically around the 61st minute when United’s Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten men. Arsenal capitalized on their numerical advantage shortly after, with Gabriel Magalhães scoring the equalizer in the 63rd minute following a deflected shot.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Kai Havertz went down under minimal contact from Harry Maguire. However, United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, made a crucial save to deny Martin Ødegaard’s spot-kick.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, United’s defense, bolstered by Matthijs de Ligt’s vital interventions, held firm through extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Bayindir emerged as the hero, saving Havertz’s penalty, while Joshua Zirkzee converted the decisive spot-kick to send United through to the fourth round, where they will face Leicester City. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed disappointment with the result, lamenting his team’s missed opportunities and inability to capitalize on their advantage.This victory marks a significant boost for United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, indicating potential positive momentum for the team in upcoming fixtures.
