Cunha Silences the Emirates as Manchester United Shock Arsenal

Matheus Cunha delivered a moment of pure quality to stun the Emirates Stadium, as Manchester United claimed a dramatic 3–2 Premier League victory over Arsenal. The late winner handed Mikel Arteta’s side their first home defeat of the season and injected fresh tension into the title race, with Michael Carrick’s rejuvenated United climbing into the top four.

The result marked United’s first league win away at Arsenal in eight years and secured back-to-back Premier League victories for Michael Carrick’s side, lifting them into fourth place in the table.

Carrick’s men showed resilience and belief, coming from behind before substitute Matheus Cunha sealed the contest with a sublime late strike from distance. Patrick Dorgu continued his fine form with a thunderous half-volley, scoring in consecutive league games following his goal in the Manchester derby.

Arsenal briefly thought they had salvaged a point when Mikel Merino struck late on from a set-piece the Gunners’ 15th dead-ball goal of the season but once again struggled to break down a disciplined United side. The defeat leaves Arteta without a win in three league matches, with Arsenal’s lead at the top now cut to just four points.

The hosts started brightly, dominating early possession and penning United into their own half. The first clear chance came from a Declan Rice set-piece, with Martin Zubimendi rising highest, only for Senne Lammens to produce an outstanding reaction save.

Arsenal made the breakthrough just before the half-hour mark. Bukayo Saka’s cross eventually fell kindly, and amid a scramble between Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martínez, the ball deflected off the Argentine defender and into his own net.

United responded positively. Bruno Fernandes went close after being released inside the box, but William Saliba’s last-ditch challenge forced the shot wide. Moments later, a costly error from Zubimendi allowed Bryan Mbeumo to race through on goal.

The Cameroonian rounded David Raya and finished calmly for his 50th Premier League goal.

United carried their momentum into the second half and took the lead five minutes after the restart. A slick one-two between Fernandes and Dorgu opened space for the Dane, whose ferocious half-volley crashed off the underside of the crossbar and over the line.

Arsenal dominated possession thereafter but struggled to create clear chances. Rice and Saka probed without reward, and it wasn’t until the final ten minutes that Lammens was truly tested.

From a corner, United failed to clear their lines. Cunha initially hooked the ball off the goal line, but Merino reacted quickest to bundle home and restore parity.

Yet the drama was far from over. Just three minutes later, United struck decisively.

Kobbie Mainoo fed Cunha in space, and the Brazilian drove forward before unleashing a magnificent curling effort from distance that left Raya helpless.

The goal proved decisive, sending United into the top four and piling pressure on Arsenal, whose lead has now been reduced following wins for Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier in the day.