Manchester United Holds Arsenal, Dents Title Hopes
In a big blow to their Premier League title chances, Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United as Declan Rice’s strike in the second half cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ free kick, at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
The first half was far from a classic with Arsenal, who were hoping to build on the momentum from their 7-1 UEFA Champions League thrashing of PSV Eindhoven, dominating possession but with few chances for either side.
Manchester United captain Fernandes broke the deadlock seconds before halftime and against the run of play with a brilliant free kick that sailed over the wall and past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper David Raya.
It was the first time United had led at halftime of a Premier League game since December 1st.
The second half was far more entertaining with near misses for both sides before Rice levelled in the 74th minute, latching onto a ball from Jurrien Timber and unleashing a blistering shot from the edge of the box past Andre Onana.
If Raya could perhaps be criticised for conceding from Fernandes’ free kick, the goalkeeper salvaged a draw for his side with a stunning double save in the game’s thrilling final seconds.
He partly-saved a Fernandes shot and then had to scramble to claw the ball away on the line as it was spinning backwards into the net.
Brilliant goals from Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice see the points shared at Old Trafford #MUNARS pic.twitter.com/FNFF4OBtqY
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 9, 2025
“It helps when you score a goal and don’t suffer (conceding first), you can feel the energy in the stadium,” Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said.
“In this moment, we try to win games, be compact. We were so near in the second half to score a goal. We were really competitive and I think that is important. We pushed forward and not back.”
Second-placed Arsenal, who have failed to win their last three Premier League games, have 55 points and trail leaders Liverpool by 15 points, but with a game in hand.
Manchester United, with one league win in their last five games and just three victories in their last 12, are 14th on 34 points.
Sunday’s Premier League results
Chelsea 1-0 Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Bournemouth
Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal.
A hard-earned point on the road, but Arsenal now sit 15 points behind leaders Liverpool pic.twitter.com/qylrljVfud
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 9, 2025
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