Matheus Cunha scores a stunning late winner as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates, cutting the Gunners’ lead to four points.
Matheus Cunha scored a stunning late winner as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian substitute struck from distance in the 87th minute to silence the home crowd. It capped a chaotic Premier League contest filled with errors and moments of quality. Arsenal suffered their first home league defeat of the season. United climbed into fourth with a second straight league win.
Arsenal began with authority and pinned United back for long spells. Their pressure told in the 29th minute in unfortunate fashion for the visitors. Lisandro Martinez diverted Martin Odegaard’s effort into his own net. The goal settled the hosts and lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium. United struggled to find rhythm during that period.
The game shifted through a rare lapse from Arsenal. Martin Zubimendi’s loose pass was seized upon by Bryan Mbeumo. The forward rounded David Raya and finished calmly in the 37th minute. Arsenal’s lead disappeared instantly and tension crept into the stands. United went into half time level and encouraged.
Manchester United stunned the Emirates early after the restart. Patrick Dorgu hammered a superb strike off the underside of the crossbar in the 50th minute. Bruno Fernandes provided the assist after quick combination play. Arsenal were suddenly chasing the game. The visitors looked confident and dangerous in transition.
Mikel Arteta responded with a bold quadruple change before the hour. Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Ben White were introduced. The move increased urgency but disrupted Arsenal’s control. United defended deeper and waited for openings. The match became stretched and frantic.
Arsenal thought they had rescued a point late on. Merino bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the 84th minute. The stadium erupted with relief rather than joy. Momentum briefly swung back to the leaders. United regrouped quickly and refused to settle for a draw.
Just three minutes later came the decisive blow. Cunha collected a pass from Kobbie Mainoo and advanced unchallenged. He curled a superb effort into the bottom corner from range. The strike stunned Arsenal and sparked wild celebrations among the away support. It proved the final act.
United scored twice from outside the penalty area. Arsenal conceded three league goals for the first time since December 2023, ending a run of 120 games across all competitions without conceding more then twice. The hosts managed more shots but lacked cutting edge (1.19 xG). United’s expected goals total was lower (0.71 xG) yet finishing made the difference. Fine margins decided a pivotal result.
Cunha changed the game from the bench with composure and quality. Dorgu’s goal shifted belief early in the second half. Mbeumo again punished defensive errors ruthlessly. Arsenal’s mistakes proved costly on a tense afternoon. Control slipped when it mattered most.
Arsenal host Kairat in the Champions League on Wednesday. They then travel to Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. Manchester United welcome Fulham on Sunday. The title race tightens as pressure builds at the top with Arsenal’s lead now slashed to four points.
