Arsenal exited the FA Cup on penalties after Manchester United produced a remarkable performance, overcoming the odds played with ten men for nearly the entire second half. The match, which took place at the Emirates Stadium on January 12, 2025, saw the Red Devils secure their spot in the fourth round after triumphing 5-3 during the penalty shootout.
The tension was palpable from the outset, as both teams grappled for dominance on the pitch. The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to assert themselves strongly, leading to numerous missed opportunities and several fouls—a stark indication of the high stakes involved.
Things heated up early in the second half when Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring. Taking advantage of a slip by Arsenal's Gabriel, Alejandro Garnacho provided the assist, allowing Fernandes to curl the ball beautifully past goalkeeper David Raya. This goal energized the traveling United fans, who were instantly loud and supportive.
Just minutes later, fortunes began to shift dramatically for United as Diogo Dalot received his second yellow card for a foul on Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, reducing the visitors to ten men. This pivotal moment allowed Arsenal to press forward, with Gabriel equalizing just two minutes after the red card, volleying home from inside the area, catching United's defense off-guard.
Arsenal surged with confidence after scoring, driving the match's momentum. Moments later, they were awarded a penalty after Harry Maguire brought down Kai Havertz inside the box. Arsenal fans were on their feet, expecting captain Martin Odegaard to score, but disaster struck as Altay Bayindir, United's underrated goalkeeper, dove expertly to his left, denying the chance and keeping the scores level. The Turkish keeper was becoming the night’s unsung hero, making multiple key saves throughout the match.
Despite holding the numerical advantage, Arsenal could not convert their dominance on the field to goals. Both Havertz and Declan Rice squandered chances to seal the match before it entered extra time. Arsenal continued to apply the pressure, but United’s defense held firm, and the half-hour of extra time saw another stalemate, with neither team finding the net.
The match moved to penalties to decide who would advance, and Arsenal's struggles continued. The shootout began with Bruno Fernandes successfully scoring his penalty for United. Odegaard, who had missed previously, leveled the score for Arsenal before Amad Diallo restored United's lead. Havertz stepped up next but saw his shot saved by Bayindir, sending shockwaves through the Gunners' camp.
Following this setback, Leny Yoro scored for United, putting them 3-1 up. Declan Rice was able to score for Arsenal, narrowing the gap, but Lisandro Martinez and Thomas Partey both converted their chances for United and Arsenal, respectively. Finally, it was Joshua Zirkzee who scored the decisive penalty, securing victory for United—thrilling their fans and ensuring Arsenal exited the cup for the third time in four seasons.
The match was not only about the result, but it also showcased the narrative arcs of both teams—Manchester United, under the astute management of Ruben Amorim, explored their resilience and capability to maintain composure under immense pressure. Contrastingly, Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, faced yet another early cup exit, prompting questions about their consistency and overall tactical execution.
Looking forward, Manchester United will hope to build on this momentum as they aim for successive cup runs. Their next challenge will test them against teams eager to capitalize on any opportunities, especially as they try to return to their former glory.
This thrilling encounter has left fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of both teams’ respective campaigns, as United seeks to restore its status among England's elite, and Arsenal reflects on yet another missed chance at FA Cup glory.