Man United Edge Arsenal in Dramatic FA Cup Clash, Win on Penalties
Man United Edge Arsenal in Dramatic FA Cup Clash, Win on Penalties
LONDON: Joshua Zirkzee netted the decisive penalty for a 10-man Manchester United against Arsenal after a thrilling FA Cup third-round match ended 1-1 following extra time at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz was the sole player among the first four penalty takers to falter, thwarted by an outstanding save from Altay Bayindir, before Zirkzee, who faced boos after a loss to Newcastle United last month, took centre stage to secure the shootout victory 5-3.
“I just want to assist this remarkable team,” backup goalkeeper Bayindir told the BBC. I aim to bring joy to this excellent club. If you aren’t playing, it makes no difference.
“You must be prepared every minute, every second – if you are a Manchester United player, you should always be ready.”
Following a lacklustre in the first half, United took the advantage in the 52nd minute with Bruno Fernandes’ curling shot from just inside the area, following a brilliant run from Alejandro Garnacho.
However, the match shifted dramatically 10 minutes later when United’s Diogo Dalot, already cautioned for a reckless challenge on Myles Lewis-Skelly, received a second yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Mikel Merino.
Just two minutes later, Bayindir’s poorly executed punch landed at Gabriel’s feet, whose shot took a cruel deflection off Matthijs de Ligt and found the back of the net, putting the Gunners ahead in the contest.
Arsenal nearly solidified their comeback when they were granted a contentious penalty after Havertz fell under slight contact from Harry Maguire.
But, following a brief scuffle that resulted in bookings for Maguire, Havertz, and Gabriel, Bayindir made an exceptional save from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in the 72nd minute.
The Gunners aimed to exploit their numerical advantage as United retreated deeper, with substitute Declan Rice heading directly at Bayindir when left unmarked.
Havertz then wasted a golden opportunity late in the game, slicing well wide from close range, while Bayindir again denied Rice just before the end, forcing another 30 minutes of play.
De Ligt showcased two outstanding moments during extra time, blocking Rice’s shot and preventing Leandro Trossard from shooting from close range as United held on.
In the second half of extra time, United nearly snatched an improbable winner, with David Raya deflecting Zirkzee’s goal-bound attempt wide.
However, defending champions United, who relied on penalties in last year’s semi-final against Coventry City on their way to their 13th FA Cup success, triumphed in the shootout.
Despite a challenging beginning for new manager Ruben Amorim, who experienced his first defeat as United coach against Arsenal in the league last month, Sunday’s win indicates that United might be on the verge of improvement.
“Especially in the first half, we performed better than in the initial game,” Amorim told reporters.
In the fourth round, they will face Leicester City, led by former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy, at home.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, lamented his team’s failure to score.
“We did not achieve what we merited,” he told reporters.
Source : www.channelnewsasia.com
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