Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United: Cunha condemns Gunners to first home loss

Matheus Cunha produced a stunning late strike in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over leaders Arsenal in their first home defeat at the Emirates this season.

A tight first half saw Lisandro Martinez divert a cross into his own net before Martin Zubimendi’s hospital pass gifted Bryan Mbuemo the equalizer.

Two stunning strikes from Patrick Dorgu and Cunha saw United depart London with all three points and back-to-back wins, with a Mikel Merino goal in between not enough and leaving Arsenal now just four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa.

As it happened

Both sides struggle to lay a glove on one-another in the opening exchanges, with another Declan Rice delight of a set-piece creating the standout opportunity as Martin Zubimendi met the free-kick, requiring a fine save from Senne Lammens.

Arsenal found the breakthrough just before the half-hour mark, as Martin Odegaard scuffed an effort into a tangle of Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez, with the United defender awarded the final touch as the ball flew into his own net.

United wasted no time responding with Mbuemo and Bruno Fernandes going close to levelling, before the Cameroonian scored seven minutes after going behind.

Martin Zubimendi won’t want to watch the goal back, with the ever-reliable Spaniard playing a loose back pass that Mbuemo could latch onto and calmly slot past David Raya for his eighth Premier League goal of the season.

Dorgu produced a moment of magic after the break, pulling together some tidy build-up play with Fernandes before the makeshift winger fired a stunning half-volley in off the crossbar, giving Raya no chance in goal.

A shellshocked Mikel Arteta responded with a quadruple change before the game had even passed the hour mark, introducing Ben White, Merino, Ebere Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal saw appeals for a penalty dismissed by both Craig Pawson and VAR as Merino fired a shot that was blocked by the arm of Harry Maguire, deemed in a natural position for the defender going to ground.

One of Arteta’s changes eventually came up trumps, with Merino scoring Arsenal’s 20th goal from a corner this season in the 84th minute, as the Saka delivery beat the crowded goalkeeper and dropped to the Spanish midfielder to tap over the line.

But Cunha had the final say, curling a peach of an effort from distance past the once again helpless Raya as United scored their third goal from as many shots on target.

Yet another shock victory extends Michael Carrick’s perfect start on his second stint as interim manager of United, while Arsenal have well and truly tripped in the title race.

Analysis: United’s midfield switch from two to three the difference

Whilst Ruben Amorim’s unwavering commitment to his system split opinion amongst pundits and supporters, it’s undeniable Manchester United look a much more settled side with Kobbie Mainoo alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

Carrick’s faith in the previously outcasted Mainoo has paid dividends, with their captain Fernandes able to roam more free in his natural number 10 position and the two holding midfielders providing protection to the back four.

Whilst United have had lower possession in both games under their interim boss, as can be expected when playing the two sides at the top of the table, Mainoo’s quality on the ball as a more natural box-to-box midfielder has been the perfect balance to ensure his side are effective when opportunity arises.

Arsenal’s highly regarded midfield trio of Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard could draw comparisons to the style of players the Red Devils boast, with a three that bring different qualities meshing together to create a hard-working midfield that effervesces confidence in possession.

The visit of Fulham to Old Trafford next weekend could pose a different challenge to the newly-composed midfield, with Marco Silva’s side more likely to allow United the ball and look to threaten on the counter.