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In a dramatic FA Cup third-round clash, ten-man Manchester United stunned Arsenal with a penalty shootout victory after a pulsating 1-1 draw that saw both teams come close to victory.
The match, which played out at the Emirates Stadium, featured a series of twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After a goalless first half, Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock for United in the 52nd minute, finishing clinically on the counter-attack to give the visitors the lead. However, just moments later, United’s hopes were dented when full-back Diogo Dalot was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 61st minute, reducing Erik ten Hag’s side to 10 men.
Arsenal wasted no time capitalizing on their numerical advantage. Just two minutes after Dalot’s red card, Gabriel Magalhães hammered home an equalizer to restore parity. The Gunners had the chance to seize the lead in the 70th minute when Martin Ødegaard was awarded a penalty after a controversial challenge. However, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir rose to the occasion, producing a brilliant save to deny Ødegaard and keep the tie level.
As the game progressed, it was clear that the Gunners were struggling to make their advantage count. Despite their numerical superiority, they failed to break down United’s resilient defense, with Bayindir making a series of crucial saves and defenders like Matthijs de Ligt clearing off the line. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz spurned a golden opportunity to put Arsenal ahead, blasting a shot over the bar from close range in what would prove to be a costly miss.
With the game deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time, the contest moved to penalties, where Manchester United held their nerve. Bayindir was again the hero, saving a penalty from Havertz, and United converted all of their spot-kicks. Joshua Zirkzee stepped up to take the decisive penalty, coolly slotting it past Arsenal keeper David Raya to seal a dramatic 5-3 victory in the shootout.
The win sees United progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will now await the draw for their next opponent. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be left to rue a missed opportunity, having squandered several chances to win the game before ultimately falling short in the penalty shootout.
It was a remarkable performance from Manchester United, who held their composure under intense pressure, showing grit and resilience to knock out the holders. For Arsenal, the loss will undoubtedly sting, especially after their dominance in possession and missed opportunities to claim victory in normal time.
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