Cunha Stunner Seals United Comeback and Shakes Arsenal Title Bid
Late drama at the Emirates as Carrick strikes again
Matheus Cunha scored a sensational late winner as Manchester United completed a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory at the Emirates, dealing a significant blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions.
With Manchester City and Aston Villa both winning earlier in the weekend to close the gap at the top, Arsenal started strongly and took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martínez diverted the ball into his own net. But United responded impressively, with Bryan Mbeumo punishing a disastrous backpass from Martin Zubimendi before Patrick Dorgu produced a stunning long-range strike shortly after halftime.
Mikel Merino appeared to have salvaged a point for Arsenal six minutes from time, only for substitute Cunha to curl home a brilliant winner moments later, handing Michael Carrick his second victory in as many matches as United’s interim manager.
Arsenal anxiety creeps in
Fresh from a statement Champions League win over Inter Milan, Arsenal looked confident early on. Bukayo Saka lifted a delicate ball to Martin Ødegaard, whose sliced volley clipped Martínez before beating Senne Lammens.
However, United grew into the contest and Arsenal’s composure began to fade. Warning signs appeared when Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes both went close, before Zubimendi’s loose backpass gifted United an equaliser. Mbeumo controlled, rounded David Raya and finished into an empty net.
The Emirates grew increasingly tense, and those nerves intensified early in the second half. Dorgu combined neatly with Fernandes before unleashing a bouncing half-volley from 20 yards that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. A brief VAR check for handball followed, but the goal stood.
Late twists decide a classic
Arteta responded with a quadruple substitution, introducing Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze in search of a response. Arsenal thought they had a penalty when Merino’s shot struck Harry Maguire’s hand, but referee Craig Pawson and VAR waved play on.
Pressure eventually told when Merino poked home from close range after United failed to clear Saka’s corner, sparking belief of a late home turnaround. That optimism lasted just three minutes.
Cunha, given space on the edge of the box, turned sharply and curled a sublime effort beyond Lammens to silence the Emirates and puncture Arsenal’s title charge, as United celebrated another dramatic night under Carrick.
