Manchester United, despite being reduced to 10 men for over an hour, edged past Arsenal in a dramatic FA Cup third-round tie, triumphing in a penalty shoot-out to secure their spot in the fourth round.
The Gunners had plenty of opportunities but were undone by missed chances, with Kai Havertz missing the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
The first half offered little excitement, but Bruno Fernandes ignited the contest with a superb first-time strike on the counter-attack.
However, United’s joy was short-lived as Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Arsenal capitalized immediately, with Gabriel firing in an equalizer.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Martin Odegaard stepped up to the spot, but goalkeeper Altay Bayindir saved his penalty.
The decision to award the penalty was controversial, as Havertz seemed to go down under minimal contact, sparking a heated scuffle that earned several players yellow cards.
Despite their numerical advantage, Arsenal squandered numerous chances in regular time.
Bayindir made crucial saves to deny the Gunners, while Havertz missed a close-range opportunity.
Matthijs de Ligt also produced a spectacular goal-line clearance in the first half of extra time to keep United in the game.
Joshua Zirkzee nearly sealed it late in extra time with a deflected shot that David Raya managed to push onto the post.
In the ensuing shoot-out, Bayindir turned hero once again, saving Havertz’s penalty.
United’s perfect penalty takers, including Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Ileny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Zirkzee, ensured victory.
Zirkzee converted the decisive fifth spot-kick for Ruben Amorim’s men, sending the holders through and leaving Arsenal to rue their missed opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.
