Joshua Zirkzee sealed victory with the decisive penalty as a 10-man Manchester United edged out Arsenal in a dramatic clash to advance to the FA Cup fourth round.
The Red Devils took the lead in the 52nd minute with a brilliant goal from Bruno Fernandes, who curled the ball into the top corner after Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a slip by Gabriel to deliver a precise cross.
United were reduced to 10 players for nearly an hour after Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino.
Dalot’s dismissal came in the 61st minute following a reckless tackle, and Arsenal quickly equalized two minutes later when Gabriel struck a volley from inside the box.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take the lead after Kai Havertz was fouled by Harry Maguire in the area, leading referee Andrew Madley to point to the spot. However, a scuffle involving Maguire, Havertz, and Gabriel delayed the penalty, resulting in bookings for all three.
Martin Odegaard stepped up for the spot-kick, but Altay Bayindir made a crucial save, diving to his left to deny Arsenal the lead.
Despite Arsenal’s relentless pressure and further chances from Declan Rice and Havertz, Bayindir’s exceptional performance kept United in the game.
During extra time, United were forced into a defensive stance as Arsenal pressed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Yet, they could not break through, and the match went to penalties.
Bayindir again proved pivotal, saving Havertz’s attempt, before Zirkzee confidently sent David Raya the wrong way to clinch the shootout win for United.
This result sees Arsenal bow out of the FA Cup in the third round for the third time in four years.
