MANCHESTER United dealt a blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title charge as Matheus Cunha’s superb strike clinched a thrilling 3-2 win over the leaders on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez’s own goal put Arsenal ahead at the Emirates Stadium, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised before half-time.
Patrick Dorgu’s brilliant blast gave United the lead after the interval, until Mikel Merino’s late leveller looked to have rescued a point for Arsenal.
In a dramatic finish, Brazilian forward Cunha bagged the winner with an eye-catching drive three minutes from full-time.
It was Arsenal’s first defeat in 13 games in all competitions since losing at Aston Villa in December.
The Gunners lost at home for the first time in 18 matches in all competitions since losing to Bournemouth in May.
Arsenal are now just four points above second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa, who both closed the gap with wins against Wolves and Newcastle, respectively, this weekend.
City boss Pep Guardiola this week called Arsenal the “best team in the world”, but Arsenal’s three-game winless run in the league has breathed new life into the title race.
Arsenal still control their destiny, but goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had sparked concerns from their anxious fan base, and this was another alarming result for boss Mikel Arteta.
Arteta has not lifted a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, and Arsenal, who have not won the title in 22 years, face a test of their nerve in the coming weeks after blowing significant leads at the top in previous title races.
United’s first win at the Emirates Stadium since December 2017 continued Michael Carrick’s impressive start to his interim reign.
Former Middlesbrough boss Carrick, hired to temporarily replace the sacked Ruben Amorim, started his tenure with a surprise 2-0 win against Manchester City last weekend.
He has already masterminded victories over the top two to lift United into fourth after Amorim’s turbulent spell in charge.