Manchester United and Arsenal play a dramatic draw amidst 'Player of the Match' controversy

Manchester United and Arsenal ended with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Arsenal's struggles continue as they have now failed to secure victories in three matches against teams in 15th place or lower this season, costing them a total of seven crucial points.

Though Mikel Arteta and Arsenal didn’t come away with a win, the day marked a milestone for the Spaniard. He reached the mark of 200 Premier League matches as a manager, becoming the second youngest to hit this mark. The 42-year-old has recorded 118 victories in that time.

Arsenal dropped points amidst player of the match controversy 

Arsenal looked in sublime form during the first 45 minutes at Old Trafford and controlled the game but struggled to convert their dominance into goals. In a pivotal moment just before halftime, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes expertly curled a 25-yard free-kick into the net, catching David Raya off guard.

Raya rebounded well in the second half, making impressive saves against Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee, which kept Arsenal in the game. Finally, with 16 minutes remaining, Arsenal's persistence paid off.

United's failure to clear the ball allowed Rice to unleash a stunning rising shot that sailed past Andre Onana into the net securing a crucial point for Arsenal. It could have been even more disastrous for Arsenal, as Raya delivered an incredible double save in the dying moments to deny Fernandes.

Arteta expressed frustration at his team's failure to capitalize during the first half. Once again, their failure to convert in the final third highlighted the absence of a No. 9.

"We opened the gate to lose the game and the game was completely closed, there was no chance we could lose the game and we opened it up ourselves," Arteta said.

There was some controversy regarding the decision for player of the match. Declan Rice received the accolade for his equalizer, but many experts and fans felt that it should have gone to Manchester United's captain, Bruno Fernandes, who fought valiantly for his team. Others argued that David Raya was a strong candidate, having made a series of outstanding saves to keep Arsenal in the match.