Manchester United tame Arsenal in Penalties to progress in FA Cup

Arsenal took on reigning champions Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium during the FA Cup third round on Sunday. After their early exit in the previous season, Arsenal looked eager to enhance their performance. On the other hand, Manchester United came into the match looking to build on their impressive performance against Liverpool. 

The Gunners recently suffered a setback as their remarkable unbeaten streak of 14 games across competitions was decisively cut short by a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Tale of Taming the Gunners 

Altay Bayindir and Joshua Zirkzee delivered redemption performances as Manchester United decisively eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup on penalties, following a determined 1-1 draw after extra time. This remarkable victory came despite United having to contend with only 10 men for over an hour due to Diogo Dalot’s red card.

The match was off to a heated start as Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus was fouled in the 30th minute by Martinez. This unfortunate incident led to Jesus being stretchered off the field, with Sterling coming on as a substitute to keep the game going. Both teams had their chances but were unable to convert, resulting in a halftime score of 0-0.

The game's momentum shifted when Garnacho made a run down the right flank, delivering a well-timed pass to Fernandes, who executed a superb finish to break the deadlock.

Arsenal quickly capitalised on the momentum after Dalot received a red card and left the field. Gabriel found the back of the net, scoring the equaliser in the 63rd minute. Shortly thereafter, in the 72nd minute, Harry Maguire was involved in an unfortunate penalty incident. However, Bayındır's remarkable save ensured that the reigning champions remained in the match. None of the teams could score a goal in extra time.

Altay Bayindir was the hero of the fixture in the penalties. The Red Devils keeper denied 3 spot-kicks to the Gunners, two of which came in the penalty shootout. He stopped Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz's shots and helped progress Manchester United to the next round. Manchester United won 5-3 in penalties.