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Manchester United edged past Arsenal on penalty shootout, after both teams played a 1-1 draw in their FA Cup third-round match, with United having to navigate much of the second half with 10 men.
The match began with Manchester United controlling the opening minutes, showcasing good pressing out of possession. The Red Devils’ energetic start saw them win the ball back quickly and create half-chances, but they couldn’t capitalize on their dominance.
However, the game burst into life in the 17th minute when Gabriel Martinelli was put through on goal, only to be flagged offside. The Arsenal forward coolly slotted the ball past Bayindir, but the linesman’s flag spared United’s blushes.
United’s first attempt on goal came in the 24th minute, courtesy of Kobbie Mainoo’s decent strike from distance. The young midfielder’s effort was comfortably saved by David Raya, who was well-positioned to make the stop.
The first half ended with both teams knowing they had more to show in attack. United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, was particularly frustrated, feeling he should have had a free kick when he was brought down just outside the area. His protests earned him a yellow card, which could have proved costly given his importance to the team.
The second half began with Arsenal in possession, and Diogo Dalot’s reckless challenge earned him a yellow card. The Portuguese full-back’s tackle was unnecessary, and he was lucky to escape a red card at that point.
However, United soon took the lead through Fernandes’ beautiful strike in the 52nd minute. Alejandro Garnacho broke away from Gabriel and picked the right pass to United’s captain, who hit a precise shot into the back of the net.
The away side almost gave away an immediate equalizer when Harry Maguire headed the ball straight into the path of Kai Havertz, but the German forward wildly fired wide of the mark.
Disaster struck for United when Dalot received his second yellow card, reducing the team to 10 men. Moments later, Gabriel equalized for Arsenal, capitalizing on a poor punch by Bayindir. The Turkish goalkeeper’s error proved costly, as Gabriel’s shot deflected off De Ligt and into the net.
United’s afternoon seemed to worsen when Maguire was harshly judged to have brought down Havertz in the penalty area. However, justice was served as Bayindir made a spectacular save to parry away Martin Odegaard’s penalty. The goalkeeper’s heroics sparked wild celebrations among the United players and fans.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with United’s 10 men showing incredible resilience. The team’s defense, marshaled by Maguire and De Ligt, held firm against Arsenal’s relentless pressure.
The game went to a penalty shootout, where Bayindir once again proved to be the hero, stopping Havertz’s decisive penalty. Joshua Zirkzee then cooly converted United’s fifth successive penalty to secure the win, sparking jubilant scenes among the United players and fans.
