Manchester United had to fight from the back to discomfit Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League 2025/26 match on Sunday 25 January, 2026 at Emirates Stadium.
Matheus Cunha netted a brilliant winner very late to hand Michael Carrick’s United all crucial three (3) points, and reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to four (4) points.
Cunha, a substitute, netted a fine goal into the corner in the 87th minute from 25 yards out just three (3) minutes after Mikel Merino had levelled for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners from Bukayo Saka’s corner.
The hosts went in front in the 29th minute after defender, Lisandro Martinez, struck the back of his own net, but, Cameroonian forward, Bryan Mbeumo, capitalized on a feeble pass from Martin Zubimendi to charge through on goal and put the ball past goalkeeper David Raya in the 37th minute.
Martinez diverted Martin Odegaard’s effort to gift the home side the opener.
The Reds then took the lead in the 50th minute through Patrick Dorgu from Bruno Fernandes’ assist.
Arsenal hustled and levelled with six (6) minutes to full time; just as it looked like spoils will be shared in North London, the stunner came through the Brazilian attacking midfielder.
After Mbeumo levelled for the visitors, Arsenal struggled to regain their morale against a revamped Manchester United, who eased through neighbours, Manchester City, 2-0 under Carrick’s guidance.
Cunha’s winner brought silence on the stands of the Gunners supporters and further ignited heavy Manchester United celebrations as boos were heard from home fans after the final whistle.
The win sends a serious warning to Arsenal whose lead at the summit of the Premier League standings have been lowered from seven (7) to four (4) points.
Arsenal have now recorded zero (0) win in three (3) Premier League encounters after goalless draw against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Manchester United continue to push for a top four finish to grab a spot in next season’s Uefa Champions League.
Arsenal remain at the top with fifty (50) points, trailed by Manchester City with forty-six(46) points, and Aston Villa with same points as the Cityzens on the third, while, Manchester United are fourth with thirty-eight (38) points.
Result:
| Premier League 2025/26 – Sunday 25 January, 2026 |
| Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest |
| Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea |
| Newcastle United 0-2 Aston Villa |
| Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United |
Next, Arsenal face Kairat Almaty in their final Uefa Champions League 2025/26 League Phase match at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday 28 January, 2026 at 21:00 (WAT), while, Manchester United lock horns with Fulham in the Premier League match at Old Trafford on Sunday 1 February, 2026 at 15:00 (WAT).
Photo: Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard and Manchester United’s Casemiro fight for the ball | arsenal.com
