Manchester United blew the Premier League title race wide open with a stunning 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates on Jan 25, ending the Gunners’ unbeaten home record this season and handing a lifeline to chasing rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa.
In a dramatic evening of football, Matheus Cunha’s sensational 88th-minute strike sealed United’s first league victory at Arsenal since 2017 and lifted Michael Carrick’s rejuvenated side into the top four.
The result leaves Arsenal on 50 points after 23 games, with City and Villa now just four points behind on 46, and reignites hopes of a multi-club title showdown.
Arsenal had taken the lead through a Lisandro Martinez own goal in the 29th minute, but United responded with purpose. Bryan Mbeumo levelled in the 37th after Martin Zubimendi’s defensive blunder gifted the visitors a chance.
Patrick Dorgu then fired United into the lead early in the second half with a thunderous volley off the crossbar. Despite Mikel Merino’s 84th-minute equaliser from a corner, Arsenal’s reprieve was short-lived.
With just minutes remaining, Cunha stepped up with a curling low shot from 25 metres that beat David Raya and sent the away fans into raptures.
The final whistle confirmed a result that not only dented Arsenal’s title hopes but also showcased United’s revival under Carrick.
“To come here and score three goals the way we did, after setbacks, shows the character of this group,” said Carrick. “It was a huge moment for us.”
For Arsenal, the loss extends their winless run to three games and raises fresh concerns about their title credentials. They have not won the league since 2004 and are beginning to show signs of strain.
“A really painful one,” admitted manager Mikel Arteta. “But now it’s time to be very close to the players that have given us so much. We must support them.”
Despite a dream start and the crowd behind them, Arsenal were vulnerable in defence and lacked attacking sharpness in open play. Arteta made multiple substitutions, including Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, in a bid to change the tempo, but United’s energy and resolve proved decisive.
This win follows United’s 2-0 triumph over Manchester City in Carrick’s first match since returning as interim manager. With back-to-back wins over both Manchester and North London rivals, the Red Devils have surged into fourth place and reignited hopes of a return to Champions League football.
The resurgence under Carrick is built on belief and boldness. “We sensed they were there for the taking,” said goal-scorer Dorgu, who was a constant menace down the left. “And we finished the job.”
The shock result was music to the ears of Aston Villa and Manchester City. Unai Emery’s side secured a 2-0 win at Newcastle, their first at St James’ Park in 21 years. Emiliano Buendia’s long-range strike and Ollie Watkins’ late header kept Villa’s unlikely title charge alive.
“We’re still competing with giants like City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. But we are here,” said Emery. “And we believe.”
City, meanwhile, will relish the opportunity to close the gap even further as the season enters its critical phase.
Chelsea eased past a struggling Crystal Palace side 3-1, with Brazilian pair Estevao and Joao Pedro combining for two goals before Enzo Fernandez sealed it from the spot. It was Chelsea’s fourth win in five under Liam Rosenior.
Nottingham Forest pulled off an important 2-0 win away at Brentford, courtesy of goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi, moving five points clear of the relegation zone.
With 15 matches left and just four points separating the top three, the Premier League title race is now a rollercoaster. Arsenal’s stumble at home may have been the pivotal moment that opened the door for a dramatic spring surge from City and Villa – and perhaps even United.
AFP, Reuters
