Arsenal’s Premier League title charge suffered a major setback after a damaging 3–2 home defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
A stunning late strike from substitute Matheus Cunha sealed a dramatic comeback victory for United at a tense Emirates Stadium.
The loss leaves Mikel Arteta’s side without a win in three league matches and raises fresh doubts about their title credentials.
Arsenal started brightly and were rewarded in the 29th minute with a deserved opener. Bukayo Saka floated a clever ball into the area for Martin Odegaard, whose sliced volley deflected off Lisandro Martinez and beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The goal initially settled the home side, who looked sharp and confident in possession. However, familiar nerves soon crept into Arsenal’s play.
Manchester United grew into the contest and were gifted a route back eight minutes later. Martin Zubimendi’s careless backpass was seized upon by Bryan Mbeumo, who rounded David Raya before finishing into an empty net.
The equaliser visibly unsettled Arsenal and lifted belief within the visiting side. United carried that momentum into the second half.
Five minutes after the restart, Patrick Dorgu put United ahead with a superb strike. The wing-back exchanged passes with Bruno Fernandes before firing a bouncing effort from distance off the underside of the crossbar.
A VAR check for a possible handball followed, but the goal was allowed to stand. The Emirates fell into anxious silence.
Arteta responded with a quadruple substitution as Arsenal pushed desperately for a response. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 84th minute.
From a Bukayo Saka corner, United failed to clear their lines and Mikel Merino poked home from close range to level the score.
Just as Arsenal sensed a potential turnaround, Cunha delivered the decisive moment. The Brazilian was given space to turn and curled a brilliant 20-yard strike beyond Raya to silence the home crowd.
It was United’s second spectacular goal of the night and another statement result under interim manager Michael Carrick.
The defeat was Arsenal’s first home league loss of the season and one that could define their campaign. With rivals closing the gap, the Gunners now face mounting pressure in the title race.
For United, the win reinvigorates their season and underlines a growing resilience away from home. For Arsenal, the cracks are widening at the worst possible time.
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