FA Cup: 10-Man Manchester United Eliminates Wasteful Arsenal in Penalty Shootout
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London, Jan 12 (NationPress) Manchester United overcame Arsenal 5-3 in a nail-biting penalty shootout after the match concluded 1-1, following extra-time at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal lamented numerous missed opportunities, as the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men early in the second half. The Gunners had several chances to eliminate the defending champions but fell short in the shootout against a determined Manchester United squad.
The match commenced with a slow pace, where Arsenal held most of the ball but struggled to challenge United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir. The first half was fragmented, featuring few clear-cut chances, including a Gabriel Martinelli goal that was disallowed for offside. Arsenal's injury woes worsened when Gabriel Jesus was taken off on a stretcher after a clash with Bruno Fernandes, leading to Raheem Sterling stepping in.
Action picked up early in the second half when United capitalized on a mistake by Gabriel, with Alejandro Garnacho assisting Bruno Fernandes for the opening goal. However, shortly after, Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card, leaving Arsenal with a one-player advantage.
Arsenal quickly took advantage of the situation, equalizing in the 63rd minute when Gabriel scored from a free-kick. The pressure mounted as Arsenal was awarded a penalty after Kai Havertz was fouled by Harry Maguire. Yet, Martin Odegaard’s attempt was thwarted by Bayindir, shifting the momentum back to United.
Despite additional chances from Havertz and Declan Rice, Arsenal was unable to secure a victory in regular time, prompting extra-time. Both teams had their chances, but a crucial save from Raya kept Arsenal in contention.
The dramatic match moved on to penalties, where Fernandes successfully converted the first kick for United. Odegaard leveled for Arsenal, but a miss from Havertz allowed United to clinch the victory 5-3 in the shootout. Consequently, the defending champions eliminated the Gunners and will advance to face Leicester City in the next round of the tournament.
