Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off the pitch in distress during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, leaving fans and teammates concerned.
The Brazilian forward had started the third-round clash strongly, engaging in a competitive duel with Lisandro Martínez. However, his game was cut short after an awkward tackle on Bruno Fernandes at the edge of Arsenal’s box. Although the challenge brought Fernandes down, referee Andy Madley did not award a foul. Frustrated, Fernandes threw his boot to the ground and received a yellow card for dissent.
Jesus, meanwhile, required immediate medical attention. In visible pain and clutching his knee—possibly aggravated by an earlier aerial clash with Martínez—he was stretchered off and replaced by Raheem Sterling. The incident was another blow for Jesus in a season where he has struggled for consistent starts, though a recent resurgence had seen him score six goals since his December 18 hat-trick against Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, this injury threatens to derail his momentum heading into 2025.
Arsenal’s troubles continued after halftime when Bruno Fernandes finished off a clinical Manchester United counterattack to give the visitors the lead. The Gunners responded on 63 minutes with Gabriel Magalhães’ deflected strike finding the back of the net, moments after United’s Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow card following a late challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Martin Ødegaard’s penalty was saved by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who produced a standout performance. With neither side able to break the deadlock in extra time, the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, United emerged victorious, with Bayindir saving Kai Havertz’s effort to secure a 5-3 win for Ruben Amorim’s side.
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