Arsenal were eliminated from the FA Cup on penalties by Manchester United, leaving their season at risk of unraveling if they fail to win their upcoming match against rivals Tottenham.
The match at the Emirates delivered classic FA Cup drama, reminiscent of the 1999 semi-final replay when Manchester United defeated Arsenal at Villa Park on their way to the Treble. Similarities included a United player being sent off, an Arsenal penalty miss, and heated confrontations akin to the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger.
Despite playing against ten men for over an hour following Diogo Dalot’s red card for a second yellow in the 61st minute, Arsenal failed to capitalize. Kai Havertz missed two clear chances and saw his penalty saved during the shoot-out, raising questions about why he was chosen to take one. Martin Ødegaard also missed a penalty in the 72nd minute that could have sealed the win in regular time, with United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir making a series of outstanding saves.
Manchester United’s players celebrated with their 8,000 traveling fans after the shoot-out, with Joshua Zirkzee emerging as the unlikely hero. Just 13 days earlier, Zirkzee had been booed off the pitch in tears during a match against Newcastle. His resilience mirrored United’s fighting spirit as they held onto their title as FA Cup holders.
In contrast, frustration is mounting among Arsenal fans toward Mikel Arteta. The Gunners lost the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle last week, are now out of the FA Cup, and face the added toll of extra time and penalties ahead of Wednesday’s North London derby. A loss to Tottenham could spark a toxic atmosphere at the Emirates, with supporters increasingly disillusioned by what they perceive as a wasted season.
The match itself featured a dreadful first half, notable only for Gabriel Jesus sustaining an injury and Bruno Fernandes venting his frustration at referee Andy Madley, who had a poor game. United took the lead in the 52nd minute when Gabriel’s slip allowed Alejandro Garnacho to set up Fernandes for a brilliant finish. Dalot’s reckless challenge on Mikel Merino earned him a red card, giving Arsenal a numerical advantage they ultimately squandered, further compounding their struggles.
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