Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations took a major hit on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Old Trafford. Declan Rice’s second-half equalizer canceled out Bruno Fernandes’s stunning free-kick, but Mikel Arteta’s side failed to secure the win they needed to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool.
The result leaves Arsenal in second place with 55 points, trailing Liverpool by 15 points, though they have a game in hand. Manchester United, meanwhile, remains in 14th place with 34 points as their inconsistent season continues.
The first half lacked attacking quality, with Arsenal controlling possession but struggling to create clear chances. Coming off a 7-1 Champions League demolition of PSV Eindhoven, the Gunners looked confident but failed to break down a disciplined United defense.
Just as it seemed the teams would head into halftime goalless, Fernandes produced a moment of brilliance. In stoppage time, the Portuguese midfielder curled a free-kick over the Arsenal wall and past goalkeeper David Raya, giving United the lead against the run of play. It was the first time United had led at halftime in a Premier League match since December 1.
The second half provided far more excitement, with both teams creating opportunities. United nearly doubled their lead when Noussair Mazraoui found himself in front of goal, but Raya denied him with an outstretched leg.
Arsenal responded strongly, and in the 74th minute, Rice struck a spectacular equalizer. Receiving a pass from Jurrien Timber on the edge of the box, the England midfielder unleashed a thunderous shot that flew past United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Rice celebrated by silencing the United fans in the Stretford End.
Martin Ødegaard had a golden opportunity to put Arsenal ahead when a well-worked short corner found him in space, but his shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Onana.
If Raya was at fault for allowing Fernandes’s free-kick to go past him, he redeemed himself in the dying moments. The Arsenal keeper produced a stunning double save to deny United a winner—first blocking Fernandes’s shot and then scrambling to claw the ball away as it spun dangerously towards the goal line.
Both teams ended with six shots on target, reflecting the closely contested nature of the match.
For United, the result ends their four-match losing streak against Arsenal in the Premier League, their worst-ever run against the Gunners in league history. However, it does little to improve their standing in a difficult season.
For Arsenal, the draw represents a missed opportunity. With Liverpool firmly in control at the top, Arteta’s men will need a flawless run-in—and a lot of luck—to keep their title hopes alive.
