Manchester United threw the Premier League title race wide open with a pulsating 3–2 win over leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, handing the Gunners their first home league defeat of the season in a night of high drama.
Arsenal had been presented with the opportunity to re-establish a seven-point cushion at the summit following victories for Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier in the weekend. Instead, their advantage was trimmed as an energised United side delivered a ruthless second-half performance to loosen the hosts’ grip on top spot.
The Gunners started with authority and were rewarded in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martínez diverted the ball into his own net under pressure, giving Arsenal a deserved breakthrough. United, however, were gifted a lifeline eight minutes later when Martin Zubimendi’s loose pass was pounced upon by Bryan Mbeumo, who kept his composure to finish clinically and restore parity.
Momentum swung firmly in United’s favour after the interval, and they surged ahead five minutes into the second half. Patrick Dorgu unleashed a thunderous effort that struck the underside of the crossbar before finding the net, stunning the home support. Arsenal responded with sustained pressure and eventually drew level late on, substitute Mikel Merino reacting quickest to poke home from close range in the 84th minute.
Just as the contest appeared to be heading for a draw, United delivered the decisive blow. Three minutes after the equaliser, Matheus Cunha curled a magnificent strike from outside the area to silence the Emirates and secure a statement victory for the visitors.
The loss leaves Arsenal winless in their last three league outings, though they remain top on 50 points from 23 matches, with Manchester City and Aston Villa closing the gap on 46 points. United’s triumph lifts them to fourth on 38 points, intensifying an already crowded and unpredictable title race.
