Sports
Manchester United Stuns Arsenal in FA Cup Penalty Shootout Drama
LONDON, England — Manchester United defeated Arsenal 5-3 on penalties in a dramatic FA Cup third-round clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 2025, after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. The victory came despite United playing with 10 men for over an hour following Diogo Dalot‘s red card.
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead in the 52nd minute with a clinical finish, but Arsenal equalized through Gabriel Magalhães‘ deflected strike just nine minutes later. Dalot’s dismissal in the 61st minute for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino left United scrambling defensively, but goalkeeper Altay Bayindir emerged as the hero, saving a penalty in normal time and another in the shootout.
“It’s unbelievable. You measure the performance and what we did in relation to the opposition, we deserved to win the game by a mile,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told BBC Sport after the match. “But the reality is that we are out, and the only thing that is going to be judged is that.”
Arsenal’s woes were compounded by injuries, with Gabriel Jesus stretchered off in the first half after a knee injury. The Brazilian, who had been deployed on the wing, appeared to land awkwardly following a challenge with Fernandes. Arteta confirmed post-match that the injury “was not looking good.”
Despite dominating possession and creating 26 chances, Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly. Martin Ødegaard missed a crucial penalty in the 70th minute, and Kai Havertz squandered multiple opportunities. United, meanwhile, held firm defensively and capitalized on their chances in the shootout, with Joshua Zirkzee sealing the win with a composed fifth penalty.
Bayindir, making only his fifth appearance for United, was instrumental in the victory. “He stood strong under pressure at Arsenal’s set pieces too,” said a match analyst. “This was still only Bayindir’s fifth appearance, so the jury remains out. But the way he played from Arsenal’s goal onwards will only bring him much-needed confidence.”
United will now face Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s side in the FA Cup fourth round, while Arsenal must regroup ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture on Wednesday.