Manchester United's Late Strike Shatters Arsenal's Title Push

Manchester United struck a major blow to Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations with a gripping 3-2 victory over the table toppers on Sunday, thanks to a stunning goal from Matheus Cunha.

An unfortunate own goal by Lisandro Martinez handed Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium, yet Bryan Mbeumo levelled the scores before the break.

Patrick Dorgu fired United ahead shortly after halftime, only for Mikel Merino to score a late equaliser that seemed to secure a draw for Arsenal.

In a heart-stopping conclusion, the Brazilian attacker Cunha sealed the points with a magnificent long-range effort just three minutes before the end.

This marked Arsenal's first loss in 13 matches across all competitions since their December setback at Aston Villa.

The Gunners suffered their initial home defeat in 18 outings in all tournaments since the May loss to Bournemouth.

Arsenal now hold a four-point advantage over Manchester City in second and Aston Villa in third, both of whom narrowed the deficit with triumphs over Wolves and Newcastle this weekend.

Pep Guardiola, the City manager, recently dubbed Arsenal the "best team in the world", but their three-match league run without a win has revitalised the championship contest.

Despite retaining control of their fate, Arsenal's goalless stalemates against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had already raised alarms among their nervous supporters, and this outcome represents yet another setback for manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has not claimed silverware since the 2020 FA Cup, and with Arsenal trophyless in the league title for 22 years, the coming fixtures will challenge their resolve following past collapses from strong positions.

United's initial triumph at the Emirates since December 2017 extends Michael Carrick's strong beginning to his temporary role.

Carrick, the ex-Middlesbrough head coach brought in to succeed the dismissed Ruben Amorim, kicked off with an unexpected 2-0 success against Manchester City last week.

He has swiftly guided United to wins against the leading pair, propelling them to fourth place after Amorim's challenging period.

Dramatic Twist

Arsenal's persistent opening onslaught paid off in the 29th minute.

United gifted the goal through a chaotic sequence, beginning with Dorgu's missed header on Piero Hincapie's delivery.

Bukayo Saka reacted quickly, lofting the ball to Martin Odegaard, whose effort went astray, but under duress from Jurrien Timber, Martinez botched his clearance, and the ball deflected off his heel into the net.

Arsenal had kept clean sheets on target shots in their prior two league fixtures.

However, while Arsenal's first goal arrived courtesy of United's error, the hosts reciprocated with a more glaring mistake in the 37th minute.

Martin Zubimendi's poorly judged pass back was intercepted by Mbeumo, who sidestepped Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to slot it in.

Mbeumo's ninth strike across competitions since joining from Brentford highlights the Cameroonian's steady progress in his debut United campaign.

Arsenal's rhythm had evaporated, and Carrick's side capitalised fully just five minutes into the second half.

Bruno Fernandes located Dorgu, who controlled it neatly before rifling a shot into the upper corner from 20 yards.

Arsenal protested for a handball on Dorgu, but VAR upheld the decision, leaving a tense hush over the Emirates.

The 21-year-old's second successive goal justified Carrick's shift of him from the backline to a forward position.

Full marks to Arsenal for persisting, as they grabbed a leveller in the 84th minute.

Another set-piece proved decisive for Arsenal, with Lammens unable to hold Saka's corner, allowing Merino to poke it in from near range.

Yet, the final twist came for Arsenal in the 87th minute.

Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo set up Cunha for a brilliant shot that rocketed beyond Raya from 25 yards.