Amad Diallo Mocks Arsenal After United27s Dramatic 3-2 Win

Momentum is surging at Old Trafford, and Manchester United fans are starting to believe that something special might be brewing under interim boss Michael Carrick. On January 25, 2026, United pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium—a result that has set social media ablaze and thrust the Red Devils right back into the Champions League conversation.

It was a night of high drama in North London, with the Emirates living up to its reputation as a cauldron for visiting sides. United arrived fresh off a statement win against Manchester City, and the confidence in Carrick’s squad was palpable. Yet, few could have predicted the rollercoaster that would unfold over 90 frantic minutes.

The match began with Arsenal looking to assert their dominance and maintain their four-point cushion atop the league. The Gunners struck first, albeit with a touch of fortune, as Lisandro Martinez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing the hosts an early lead. The home crowd erupted, sensing another routine win for the title favorites.

But United weren’t about to roll over. Bryan Mbeumo, thriving in his new role as a central striker under Carrick, found the equalizer before halftime, giving the traveling fans something to cheer about. The goal underscored Carrick’s tactical tweaks—deploying Mbeumo as a No.9 and freeing up Amad Diallo on the flanks, a move that has paid dividends since Carrick’s arrival.

After the break, United’s belief was clear. Patrick Dorgu fired in a brilliant strike to put the visitors ahead in the 50th minute, flipping the script and putting the pressure squarely back on Arsenal. The Gunners, for all their attacking talent, struggled to create clear-cut chances from open play—a theme that has become increasingly worrying for manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces was on display once more. With just six minutes left, Mikel Merino bundled home from a Bukayo Saka corner, leveling the score and sending the Emirates into a frenzy. It was Arsenal’s 26th goal from a set-piece this season, the highest tally in Europe’s top five leagues. But just as a draw seemed inevitable, United struck again. Matheus Cunha unleashed a stunning effort in the 87th minute, sealing a famous away win and sparking jubilant scenes among the United faithful.

The fallout from the match extended well beyond the pitch. Before kickoff, an Arsenal supporter boldly declared on X (formerly Twitter), “Arsenal are winning 4-0, they just sent me the script.” Amad Diallo, who played 88 energetic minutes on the right wing, had the perfect response after the final whistle. Quoting the fan’s prediction alongside a graphic of the final score, Diallo posted, “Enjoy KID,” with a cheeky wink. He followed up with a pointed jab: “Your only hope is corner. Be humble KID,” complete with laughing and shushing emojis. The exchange quickly went viral, with fans from both camps weighing in on the banter.

Diallo’s dig wasn’t just playful—it highlighted a growing narrative around Arsenal’s attacking struggles. Despite registering 42 league goals this season, second only to Manchester City, several of Arsenal’s key forwards are mired in slumps. Bukayo Saka, who is reportedly close to signing a lucrative new contract, has not scored in his last 13 games across all competitions. Viktor Gyokeres hasn’t netted from open play in 11 league matches. Gabriel Martinelli’s drought stretches to 13 league games, while Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard have also struggled to find the net. As a result, set-pieces have become Arsenal’s lifeline—an asset, but also a potential Achilles’ heel if opponents continue to wise up.

Patrick Vieira, the former Arsenal captain, didn’t mince words in his assessment on Sky Sports: “They’re still four points clear, but there’s still questions about the mental strength of the team. It’s not just that they lost the game, it’s the way they lost the game. Saka and Trossard didn’t produce enough to worry United. They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team. They need to understand when they are on the pitch they have to play with more energy and more risks. They have the quality. They didn’t play with the freedom to express themselves.” Vieira’s comments echoed the concerns of many Arsenal supporters, who watched their side miss a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the summit.

For United, the victory was more than just three points. It marked their second consecutive win over a title contender under Carrick, following a derby triumph against Manchester City. The Red Devils have climbed to fourth in the table, leapfrogging Chelsea and pulling two points clear of defending champions Liverpool. The mood in the United camp is buoyant, with Carrick urging his players to stay grounded. “I know from our perspective, it’s just moving forward to the next game. It’s been less than two weeks we’ve been together. So it’s just keep getting good habits, really, and good routines and good habits. The boys have been fantastic with that. I don’t think we can look too far ahead. We certainly won’t be, anyway. It’s a big week leading up to Fulham and games coming up. We’ll finish where we finish by getting the results,” Carrick told reporters after the match.

United’s schedule, free from domestic cup or European distractions, presents a golden opportunity to consolidate their position in the top four. Upcoming home fixtures against Fulham and Tottenham loom large, with the team’s confidence at an all-time high. The tactical flexibility shown by Carrick—reintegrating Amad Diallo into his favored wide role and trusting Mbeumo up front—has given United a new dimension. Diallo, fresh from international duty with Ivory Coast, has started both of Carrick’s wins and looks set to play a pivotal role in the run-in.

Arsenal, meanwhile, remain four points clear at the top despite the setback. But with Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks, the pressure is mounting. Arteta will need to find solutions to his side’s attacking woes if they are to hold off the chasing pack and deliver a first league title in two decades.

As the dust settles on a pulsating encounter, one thing is clear: Manchester United’s revival is gathering pace, and the Premier League title race is wide open. With Carrick at the helm, United fans have every reason to dream again. Arsenal, for all their set-piece prowess, know they’ll need more than corners to stay ahead in this relentless campaign. The next few weeks promise more twists, more drama, and—if Amad Diallo has his way—a few more viral moments to savor.