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Manchester United secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal to knock the Gunners out of the FA Cup after a tense 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, despite playing with just ten men for over an hour. United’s backup goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, proved to be the hero, saving a penalty during regular time from Martin Ødegaard and then denying Kai Havertz in the shootout, as Arsenal’s failure to capitalize on chances haunted them once again.
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead early in the second half, only for Diogo Dalot to be sent off on the hour mark for a second yellow card. Gabriel Magalhães quickly equalized for Arsenal, but the Gunners squandered numerous opportunities to seal the win in regular time, which they would later regret.
United were flawless in the penalty shootout, with Josua Zirkzee scoring the decisive penalty in front of jubilant traveling fans.
The defeat marks another setback for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is still seeking to end the club’s five-year trophy drought. Arsenal had also lost the first leg of their League Cup semi-final 2-0 to Newcastle earlier in the week.
United, who were coming off four straight losses, showed a much-improved performance after a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool last weekend. Under Ruben Amorim, United adopted a similar counter-attacking strategy against Arsenal, sitting back and waiting for their chances.
The first half was uneventful, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli having a goal ruled out for offside, and injury woes worsening when Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off with a suspected knee injury.
The second half saw more action, with United striking seven minutes after the break. Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a slip from Gabriel to break into Arsenal’s half and set up Fernandes, who fired into the top corner.
Arsenal’s attack, without the injured Bukayo Saka, lacked the usual spark. But just as United seemed poised for an upset, Dalot’s reckless challenge on Mikel Merino led to a red card, giving Arsenal a numerical advantage.
Arsenal quickly made use of the extra man. Bayindir misjudged a cross from Martinelli, and Gabriel’s shot deflected in off Matthijs de Ligt to level the score.
Tempers flared after Harry Maguire was penalized for a challenge on Kai Havertz, sparking a brief scuffle between players. Maguire, visibly frustrated, shouted “cheat” at Havertz, who then clashed heads with Manuel Ugarte.
Despite Bayindir’s earlier mistake, the Turkish goalkeeper redeemed himself with a brilliant save to deny Ødegaard’s penalty. United’s keeper was again called into action, tipping over Declan Rice’s header and watching as Havertz missed from close range, and Rice’s effort flew wide.
In extra time, Arsenal nearly regained the lead, but David Raya made an excellent save to deny Zirkzee’s deflected shot. In the penalty shootout, however, Bayindir’s heroics ensured United emerged victorious, with Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, and Zirkzee all converting their penalties.
AFP
