10-man Manchester United eliminate Arsenal from FA Cup

By Olaolu Joseph

In a dramatic FA Cup third-round clash, Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive penalty to send 10-man Manchester United past Arsenal. The enthralling match, filled with twists and turns, saw United advance to the fourth round after surviving a fierce challenge from the Gunners.

United faced a major setback in the 61st minute when Diogo Dalot was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a mistimed tackle on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino. This left the Red Devils to battle with 10 men for nearly an hour.

Before Dalot’s dismissal, Manchester United had taken the lead in the 52nd minute. Bruno Fernandes curled a sublime shot into the top corner after Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on Gabriel’s slip to deliver an inch-perfect cross.

Arsenal quickly responded to their numerical advantage. Just two minutes after Dalot’s red card, Gabriel volleyed home from close range to level the score.

Tensions escalated further when referee Andrew Madley awarded Arsenal a penalty after Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Kai Havertz in the box. A heated scuffle ensued, resulting in bookings for Maguire, Havertz, and Gabriel. However, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir rose to the occasion, diving to his left to deny Martin Odegaard’s spot kick.

Arsenal pressed relentlessly for a winner, with Declan Rice and Havertz coming close, but Bayindir’s remarkable saves kept United in the game.

In extra time, Arsenal continued to dominate possession and create chances but couldn’t break down United’s resilient defense.

The match ultimately went to penalties, where Bayindir once again proved decisive, saving Havertz’s attempt. Joshua Zirkzee then stepped up and calmly sent David Raya the wrong way, sealing United’s dramatic victory.

The defeat marks Arsenal’s third third-round FA Cup exit in four seasons.