Manchester United provided a shock to the Premier League title race as they defeat the league leaders, Arsenal, 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium continuing their revival under Michael Carrick.
Carrick adds victory over Mikel Arteta to his win against Pep Guardiola last week as United have now beaten both the Gunners and Man City under his charge.
Arsenal began the match at the Emirates as the better side. They controlled possession and forced United to defend deeper than they set up. The opening goal also came to the hosts but in fortuitous fashion as Martin Odegaard’s shot deflected off Lisandro Martinez’s leg for an own goal.
However, Arsenal seemed to lose their composure as United responded thrillingly to conceding. Bryan Mbeumo took advantage of a poor pass from Martin Zubimendi to level the game before Patrick Dorgu rattled in a stunning strike to send Carrick’s men ahead in the second half.
Arsenal seemingly answered the nervous energy inside the stadium with another goal from a set piece. Saka’s delivery dropping to substitute Mikel Merino in the box to poke home. At 2-2 it seemed as though Arteta’s side had rescued a point only for Matheus Cunha to curl in the winning goal three minutes later and secure all three points for the visitors.
Relive the updates from the Premier League clash with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Manchester United live
- REPORT: Man United unleash their new weapon as Arsenal become architects of own downfall
- 87' GOAL! Cunha curls one in to shock Arsenal (ARS 2-3 MUN)
- 84' GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Man Utd (ARS 2-2 MUN)
- 50' GOAL! Dorgu rocket sends visitors into the lead (ARS 1-2 MUN)
- 37' GOAL! Mbeumo nets equaliser after Zubimendi mistake (ARS 1-1 MUN)
- 29' GOAL! Odegaard's shot hits Martinez and beats Lammens (ARS 1-0 MUN)
Man United unleash their new weapon as Arsenal become architects of own downfall
18:56 , Will Castle at Emirates StadiumThere’s an air of Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer to the beginning of this latest interim era at Manchester United. So much has been talked about the club’s missing “DNA”, whatever that may consist of.
But under the guidance of Michael Carrick, United are winning big games again - something that historically reflects “The Manchester United Way” - and just like under Solskjaer, a player reborn is at the heart of things.
With Solskjaer, that was a 21-year-old Marcus Rashford, revitalised after being misused out wide by Jose Mourinho. With Carrick, it’s Patrick Dorgu.
Man United unleash their new weapon as Arsenal become architects of own downfall
Arteta says Arsenal have to learn from defeat
19:47 , Mike Jones"We have to learn from it. Defeats are part of winning and you have to take them and remind the players how good they are. When you draw or don't win and lose that's when you have to show the togetherness and unity.
"To get where we want to be, defeats are part of that for us, as for any team. We have to do the small things better than we have done today but sometimes with the goals you have to give credit to the opposition."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports:
19:43 , Mike Jones"First of all you have to congratulate Manchester United for the victory. It happened in a really strange way.
"We were really dominate in the first 30 minutes and we scored then we gave them the goal and that transformed the momentum and energy.
“After that we dropped the standard with the ball, then they had two magic moments with the goals they scored and in big games you need these moments.
"We were carrying that negativity but when we got it for 2-2 and you feel 'game on'. But then one long ball, one pass and Cunha scores so it's a very painful one.
"The players have given us so much joy and performances - they deserve to be reminded how good they are.”
More from Odegaard:
19:39 , Mike Jones"The performance definitely should've been better from us and we have to take the lesson and keep working.
"Every game is a big challenge, this is part of football. We are still top of the league so we have to keep going and bounce back straight away, that's the only medicine."
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said:
19:35 , Mike Jones"It was not good enough from us and we need some time to analyse it. We should've done better but now is the time to stick together more, keep working, push each other more and bounce back.
"First half we were the better team, we scored a goal and had control but a lot of giveaways. We managed to get to 2-2 but then they scored straight away.
"It's never going to be easy in this league, we know that. I thought we were well prepared for the game, we started the game well and in the second we saw the momentum change a bit.”
Arsenal's mental strength will be questioned
19:31 , Mike JonesAs part of the post match reaction Sky Sports’ Micah Richards said: “Arsenal are still four points clear but there is still some question about the mental strength of Arsenal.
“Yes they lost the game but it's the way they lost it, they didn't produce enough to create danger for United.”
How has Michael Carrick transformed Man Utd?
19:26 , Mike Jones"I give a lot of credit to the staff and players in terms of how much they've invested and how much they've bought into it,” Carrick explained.
“It's alright trying to help them and say certain things but they've got to live it and they have done.
"You can see that with boys coming off the bench and it's a collective feeling. It's great when it comes together and everyone's in it and we can celebrate with the fans at the end. It's important and a big moment.
“My kids were in there, they're not kids anymore, that in itself is emotional, it's the passion, the excitement of these types of games and to come out on top is fantastic."
More from Carrick
19:23 , Mike Jones"Today, coming away we had to create own energy between us, and the away fans in the corner were incredible,” Carrick added.
“There's that element, playing away from home and understanding the phases of the game really, how it's going to develop and being patient, be disciplined at the right time. We took the ball well at times and played forward and really positive and got rewards from it.
"It's only been 10 days we know it's not going to be perfect. You can't expect to come here and dominate the ball.
“We're just starting off and it's a good starting point but we need to start putting some layers on top, and we'll try to do that in the coming weeks."
Post-match thoughts from Michael Carrick
19:20 , Mike JonesThe Manchester United head coach said: "We understood the start of the game was going to be like that as much as we tried to turn the momentum in our favour. I think we understood how the game was going to go and the flow of it.
“I thought we started to take the ball and connections through the pitch, had that composure and a few moments gaining a bit of confidence as well.
"We were having a decent spell and seemed to be coming into the game when they scored, which was disappointing.
“Again, we showed the character to come back and there were stages in the game where you have to defend. They make you defend the box really and it's challenging at times, but I thought we had enough in the game to keep believing in the confidence and I always fancied us to score.”
A long wait to win
19:17 , Mike JonesManchester United have won away to the side top of the Premier League for the first time since March 2021 (2-0 vs Manchester City under Ole Gunnar Solskjær), while it was the first time they had scored 3+ goals away to the league leaders since a 3-2 victory at Manchester City in April 2018, under Jose Mourinho.
Final thoughts from Harry Maguire:
19:13 , Mike Jones"I thought the first 20 minutes they started really well. They put us on the back foot so much but we knew we watched the game against Liverpool and they did the same in the first half there. We got a grip of the game and started to be a bit more brave on the ball.
"We started playing through the middle and finding passes through the lines. I thought we opened them up. I thought we were comfortable in the second half. Their biggest threat was set-plays, and to score one, it was a scrappy goal to concede. We have quality to hurt teams and we did that today.
"These fans deserve it. Its been a tough couple of years for them and results like last week and this evening is what they deserve."
Maguire praises Cunha:
19:09 , Mike Jones"We've got a much bigger squad now we've got the lads back from Afcon and got players like Matheus [Cunha] coming off the bench who I'm sure he's not too happy sat on the bench the last few games. I know what he's like, he wants to play, but he's made the difference in the two games.
"He's come on against City and changed the game, and today again he's made the difference for us. It just shows the squad of players and the attacking players that can come on and do that.”
Maguire on Carrick's impact:
19:05 , Mike Jones"Michael's [Carrick] come in, he's been brilliant with us, he's brought a fresh energy in, the group's really galvanised.
“Two tough games, everybody's probably thinks we come away from them with not many points but to win both is magnificent.”
Reaction from Harry Maguire:
19:01 , Mike Jones"It was absolutely massive. We know that the first game, the derby at Old Trafford, you're always up for them and you know that one-off results can happen, so we had to back it up today.
"We spoke about it before the game, coming to the league leaders, who have been excellent this year I must say, they ask a lot of questions of you, to come here and have the setback late on to get the winner, it was a magnificent performance.”
‘Absolutely not’: Roy Keane reacts to suggestion Michael Carrick be permanent Man Utd boss
19:00 , Mike JonesRoy Keane shut down suggestions that Michael Carrick be given the role of Manchester United manager on a permanent basis following the 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Carrick took over from the sacked Ruben Amorim on a contract until the end of the current suggestion with the executives at Old Trafford currently searching for a new manager to hire permanently.
‘Absolutely not’: Keane reacts to suggestion Carrick be permanent Man Utd boss
What a turn around for Carrick's men
18:42 , Mike Jones“An incredible match and a sobering day for Arsenal,” said Gary Neville.
“They will have to reset and rethink. For United, what a turn around for Carrick's men.”
Manchester United into top four
18:36 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick’s revival of Manchester United has sent them into the top four.
They’ve jumped above Liverpool and Chelsea and now sit on 38 points.
They’re 12 behind Arsenal which is too many to launch a title challenge (probably) but securing a Champions League place should be on the cards.
Arsenal drop points in title race
18:31 , Mike JonesThat was the worst result possible for Arsenal.
Both their title rivals, Manchester City and Aston Villa won this weekend but Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have lost.
That’s a three point swing going against them and their lead is now just four points.
Full-time! Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd
18:26 , Mike Jones90+7 mins: Boos ring out around the Emirates Stadium as the full time whistle goes.
Manchester United have won the match, Arsenal are beaten.
This was a renewal of the famous rivalry between the teams and a thrilling affair.
Matheus Cunha’s late strike gives Michael Carrick another victory as United boss.
Incredible scenes.
Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd
18:21 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: This is tense, it’s dramatic, it’s brilliant football.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games. They’re staring at a loss right now.
Four minutes to play and salvage something.
Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd
18:18 , Mike Jones90 mins: There are still points for Arsenal to win. Timber wins a corner with 90 minutes on the clock.
Rice takes this set piece with the news of seven minutes to be added.
Lammens gets there this time and punches the ball. Eze fouls Cunha as he tries to recover it.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd (Matheus Cunha, 87')
18:15 , Mike JonesUnited, through Mainoo and Fernandes, play through midfield before slipping the ball to Matheus Cunha.
He darts inside and curls a strike from range into the far bottom corner.
Arsenal are shocked!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Man Utd (Mikel Merino, 84')
18:13 , Mike JonesEqualiser!
Another corner for Arsenal is whipped into the box. There’s a cluster of players surrounding the goalkeeper and Lammens can do nothing.
The ball drops and gets poked by Mikel Merino.
Cunha is on the goalline and looks to clear but the ball crosses it before the clearance comes.
By the barest of margins, Arsenal are level!
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
18:10 , Mike Jones84 mins: Arsenal’s latest corner is delivered by Saka. Lammens comes out to punch it but Arsenal recover the ball.
Saka shoots and fizzes a low effort at goal but Lammens drops low and turns it wide!
Great save!
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
18:08 , Mike Jones81 mins: Dorgu has hobbled off the pitch and gives Carrick a high five as the manager asks about his condition.
Carrick makes the change and sends on Benjamin Sesko to replace Dorgu.
Cunha moves out to the left and Sesko heads up the line.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
18:07 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes plus stoppage time to play at the Emirates.
Madueke has made an impact immediately out on the right wing, Saka has been switched to the left.
There are nervous faces in the stands and the Arsenal fans are quiet.
Fernandes floats the ball forward for Dorgu. He tussles with White and clutches his hamstring as he goes to ground.
A troubling sign for Michael Carrick.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
18:04 , Mike Jones77 mins: Here comes Noni Madueke, on to replace Trossard.
Mikel Arteta has rolled the dice. Five changes, all capable of fine attacking play.
The Gunners need a goal. It would be a big hit to their chances of winning the title if they don’t get one.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
18:02 , Mike Jones75 mins: Leandro Trossard takes on Dalot as Arsenal struggle to do anything creative with the ball.
Trossard’s cross ends up in the hands of Lammens. Arsenal need a spark of something, they’ve got possession but no purpose at the minute.
Quarter of an hour to go.
'Dorgu furthest player up the pitch'
18:02 , Will CastleHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“Patrick Dorgu is currently the furthest player up the pitch. It’s like he’s no longer being required to cover at the back because Michael Carrick knows he’s best going forward. Strange the think they signed him, and utilised him for a year, as a defender.”
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:59 , Mike Jones72 mins: Mikel Merino has a glancing header turned towards goal and claims there was a touch from a United player but the referee waves for play to go on.
There’s an Arsenal appeal for handball in the United box!
Ebere Eze shoots and the ball hits Maguire’s hand as he’s falling to the floor. Both the referee and VAR wave the appeals away.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:56 , Mike Jones69 mins: Rice shoots from the edge of the box having been fed the ball by Saka.
United’s players defend a bit deeper which offers Rice the space to shoot but he punts it over the crossbar.
A first substitution for Manchester United now. Bryan Mbeumo is taken off for Matheus Cunha to come on.
Fresh legs and pace for United.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:52 , Mike Jones66 mins: Rice is booked for a late lunge on Fernandes after catching the United captain on the top of his foot.
Rice is a little frustrated and United have a free kick inside Arsenal’s half.
Fernandes sets up the ball and lofts it into the penalty area aiming for Casemiro.
David Raya plucks it out of the air easily though.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:51 , Mike Jones63 mins: No movement on the Manchester United bench just yet. Michael Carrick is discussing the game with his backroom staff.
Carrick’s changes will be more insightful as to his gameplan for the remaining 27 minutes or so.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:47 , Mike Jones60 mins: Ben White, Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze are all on the pitch now as Mikel Arteta rings in the changes.
He then hypes up the crowd to get them chanting.
Those players have replaced Piero Hincapie, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi.
Big changes from the Arsenal boss, will they change the outcome of the game?
Half an hour to play.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:44 , Mike Jones56 mins: Arsenal win a corner that is swung in by Saka. Arsenal are very good at set pieces but Saka’s delivery is slapped by Lammens.
United then scramble the ball away from the goalline. Arsenal have been brought back to life by Dorgu’s strike.
This could set up a thrilling end to the game.
Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd
17:43 , Mike Jones53 mins: That was a cracking goal. There is a VAR check to see if the ball hits Dorgu’s hand in the build up but the result is inconclusive.
Gabriel Jesus and Lisandro Martinez get into a bit of tangle after the defender clears the ball. They collide with each other and Jesus ends up on the deck.
'That's why you move Dorgu forward'
17:42 , Will Castle at the Emirates StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“That’s exactly why Patrick Dorgu was moved forward. He hasn’t looked particularly good when forced back to cover in what is now his former deeper role, but Michael Carrick will have no interest in returning him to the back line. On the wing, he’s like a new signing.
“And after common sense prevailed at City yesterday, it would have been an absolute VAR disasterclass to rule Dorgu's screamer out for that handball. Glad to see we haven't regressed just yet.”
GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd (Patrick Dorgu, 50')
17:39 , Mike JonesWOW!
This is incredible from Patrick Dorgu. Man Utd come down the left and find Dorgu.
He cuts inside and gives it to Bruno Fernandes who returns the pass.
Dorgu controls the ball and then smokes a shot on the rise. He drills it expertly into the top corner where the ball strikes the underside of the bar and bounces into the back of the net!
Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:38 , Mike Jones49 mins: Martinez threads a through ball up to Fernandes who tries to feed it forward with a blind one-touch pass.
Gabriel gets to it first and boots the ball away with a no-nonsense clearance.
Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:34 , Mike Jones48 mins: Arsenal’s bench is stacked and waiting to make an impact on this match. It’s stronger than Man Utd’s but when the changes come it’ll give an insight into both manager’s feelings about the game.
On the pitch, United recover possession and comes forward from the left. Their progress is checked but they maintain control off the ball.
Second half! Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:33 , Mike JonesDeclan Rice gets the ball rolling again at the Emirates Stadium.
Only Manchester City and Liverpool have stopped Arsenal winning here this season. Can Man Utd do so as well?
Let’s find out...
HT Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:29 , Mike JonesAs things stand this would be a bad result for Arsenal.
With Manchester City and Aston Villa both winning this weeked the Gunners started today with a four point lead.
Should this match end in a draw their lead would move to five but it will have slipped from seven at the start of the weekend’s fixtures.
But, it feels as though there are more goals out there for both teams. Can one of them go on to win the game?
HT Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:25 , Mike JonesIt’s been a close affair over the first 45 minutes. Arsenal started as the better side but Man Utd responded brilliantly after the opening goal.
In terms of stats, Arsenal have had seven shots with one on target compared to Man Utd’s six and one.
The Gunners have a higher xG too with 0.56 compared to the 0.43 of the visitors.
Importantly though, it’s 1-1 on the scoresheet.
HT Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:21 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:17 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes and the players head down the tunnel for the break.
It’s come at a good time for Arsenal as the momentum was just swinging Man Utd’s way.
Will that continue in the second half or can Mikel Arteta restore some calm in his team?
We’ll find out shortly.
Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:16 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of stoppage time to play before the end of this thrilling first half.
Oh!
Fernandes receives the ball and lifts it forward to Mbeumo. A glance shows the striker that Raya is off his line and he tries to lob the goalkeeper but, just, gets the effort off target.
Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:14 , Mike Jones43 mins: Just a couple of minutes left in the first half and the energy is rocking the Emirates Stadium.
Lots of ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ from the crowd both with Arsenal in and out of possession show how important this match is to them.
United are ending the half as the more aggressive side. Martinez bursts forward and looks for the cross. The pass is blocked and the Argentine then brings down Saka trying to recover the ball.
Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd
17:12 , Mike Jones40 mins: The great thing for the fans in the stadium, and those watching on from home, is that the goals have livened this match up beautifully.
There’s a nervous energy to Arsenal now, a more purposeful one for United.
Amad sends in a corner kick but Mbeumo gives the ball away and Arsenal bomb forward on the counter attack.
Jesus slips it down the wing for Hincapie who looks to cross over to Saka but overhits the pass.
'Arsenal have looked dodgy since taking the lead'
17:09 , Will CastleHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“Arsenal were in complete control of this but since they went one up, they've looked really dodgy passing out from the back. They got away with one after setting Mbeumo away right after the restart, but he wasn’t going to pass up that sort of opportunity again.”
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (Bryan Mbeumo, 37')
17:08 , Mike JonesEqualiser!
A shocker from Martin Zubimendi.
William Saliba tries to play out from the back under pressure from Bryan Mbeumo.
He pokes the ball over to Zubimendi who looks to give to David Raya only to miscue the pass into the path of Mbeumo.
Mbeumo is so composed. He takes the ball into the box, touches it past Raya and slots it home.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
17:06 , Mike Jones36 mins: Arsenal are incredibly strong once they get themselves into the lead.
Here an awkward corner from United sees the ball whipped into the area and causes an issue for David Raya.
He keeps it out though.
Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd
17:04 , Mike Jones33 mins: Manchester United have been brighter since Arsenal have scored.
They’ve put more focus on getting up the pitch quickly and two chances have fallen to Bruno Fernandes who has fired both wide of the left hand post.
'Don't speak too soon, Lisandro'
17:03 , Will Castle at the Emirates StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“Paul Scholes warned Lisandro Martinez not to get too high on his horse after last week’s derby display. That’s a really poor goal to concede from the Argentinian.”
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd (Lisandro Martinez OG, 29')
17:01 , Mike JonesThere’s the opener!
Arsenal probably deserve this. Piero Hincapie whips a cross field pass over to Bukayo Saka who brings it down and takes the ball into the box.
He feeds it back to Martin Odegaard who shoots and sends the ball at goal.
Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez are tussling inside the six-yard box. It looks as though the ball sneaks through Martinez’s legs and gets turned home by Timber but could have easily come off the defender.
Either way, Arsenal get the ball in the back of the net and take the lead!
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:57 , Mike Jones27 mins: Arsenal are very good at becoming compact out they lose the ball.
It’s making things tricky for United to find any space inside the final third which, in turn, helps Arsenal recover possession.
It’s intriguing to watch how this all plays out.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:55 , Mike Jones24 mins: Casemiro picks out Bruno Fernandes who looks to flick the ball quickly into Bryan Mbeumo but the communication between the two is off and the ball bobbles into open space.
It’s better from Man Utd who are starting to settle into the flow of the game.
'Some stop from Lammens'
16:54 , Will Castle at the Emirates StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“After what has felt like an age of incompetence in between the sticks, Senne Lammens really looks like the long-term solution to Man United’s goalkeeping woes. He looks assured on the ball and is capable of coming to their rescue, as demonstrated by that stop from point-blank range. And at 23, he’s only going to get better.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:53 , Mike Jones21 mins: Michael Carrick won’t be worried yet but he’ll want a bit more attacking flair from the visitors.
Casemiro switches the play out to the right side of the pitch where Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot hold the ball up.
There are a few snapshots from around the edge of the area but nothing too threatening for Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:49 , Mike Jones19 mins: Save!
Incredible reactions from Senne Lammens. The free kick is swung into the box and onto the head of Martin Zubimendi.
He powers his effort at goal but the ball comes straight to the goalkeeper who palms it up and above the crossbar!
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:47 , Mike Jones18 mins: It’s been an impressive start from the Gunners who, as you’d expect, have seen more of the ball and created all of the chances.
Saka wins a free kick as Dorgu has a nibble trying to take the ball off the winger.
Another good opportunity for Arsenal to send the ball into the box coming up.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:45 , Mike Jones15 mins: Casemiro, having recently announced his departure from Old Trafford at the end of this season, is getting stuck into the game.
He takes out Trossard’s legs in the middle of the pitch but avoids serious punishment with Arsenal afforded a simple free kick.
'Saka has Dorgu on strings'
16:42 , Will Castle at the Emirates StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“Patrick Dorgu is back starting on the wing but he’s being forced to cover at the back with Arsenal pressing forward down the right, and he’s not having a good time. Bukayo Saka has him on strings and he’s been left for dead a couple of times.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:41 , Mike Jones12 mins: Trossard wins another corner over on the left side this time.
Rice is the man to take this set piece and sends a flat cross to the edge of the box for Saka.
Saka takes too long to chest the ball under control and his eventual effort is charged down.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:40 , Mike Jones10 mins: The first corner of the game comes to Arsenal having been won by Saka.
He takes it himself and curls the ball into the middle of the box where Casemiro wins the header.
His attempted clearance falls to Trossard who puts his foot through a first time shot and lifts the ball over the crossbar!
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:39 , Mike Jones9 mins: Declan Rice takes a shot from the left edge of the box but his effort is blocked and cleared.
Arsenal have started as the better side. United are trying to hold their line about 10-15 yards outside their own penalty area but Arsenal have pushed them back to defend deep already.
'Hunger for an early Arsenal goal'
16:38 , Will Castle at the Emirates StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“Arsenal controlling all of the ball during the opening stages, with United all but camped in their own half. There’s a real hunger for an early goal from the home fans, who want to give Michael Carrick a swift reality check after his dream start last weekend.”
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:37 , Mike Jones6 mins: Bukayo Saka decides to come down the right and take on Luke Shaw but again Manchester United’s defence is solid.
Saka slips a pass into the box for Jurrien Timber’s underlapping run but Casemiro’s back-tracking sees him to the ball first and United scramble it clear.
Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:33 , Mike Jones3 mins: Leandro Trossard controls an aerial pass on the left wing when Arsenal gain possession.
He drives forward and attempts to take on Diogo Dalot who forces him to retreat but holding his ground and stopping the route into the box.
Arsenal’s next long ball attack sees it flicked into Gabriel Jesus who has his sights set on bursting in behind the lines.
Lisandro Martinez leaps into a sliding tacke to win back possession before the offside flag goes up.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd
16:30 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes gets the ball rolling at the Emirates Stadium and sends it back to Senne Lammens.
The goalkeeper punts it forward and the visitors win themselves a throw in inside Arsenal’s half.
Arsenal vs Man Utd
16:25 , Mike JonesOkay then. This is a big one, if Arsenal win they will restore their seven point lead at the top of the table and move one step closer to the title.
Should United win then the Gunners will be vulnerable to Manchester City and Michael Carrick’s side will jump into the top four ahead of both Liverpool and Chelsea.
They would also be in pole position to push for a Champions League spot with seven teams all having the chance of taking fourth place heading into the back part of the season.
Let’s find out how this one plays out. Kick off is up next...
Carrick vs Arteta
16:20 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick’s first and only Premier League victory in his previous stint as Manchester United manager came against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal – a 3-2 win at Old Trafford in December 2021.
Arteta loves Man Utd
16:15 , Mike JonesArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has won 67% of his 12 Premier League games against Manchester United (Eight wins, two draws, two defeats).
It is the highest win rate of any manager to face them at least five times.
United's playmaker
16:10 , Mike JonesManchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has created the most chances in the Premier League this season (62), while he also has the most assists (9).
He ranks first for chances created both in open play (40) and from set plays (22) and his current ratio of 3.4 chances created per 90 minutes is the best by a Man Utd player since Ryan Giggs in 2008-09 (3.7).
Defensive maestro
16:05 , Mike JonesArsenal have only conceded 90 goals in 118 Premier League games with William Saliba on the pitch, an average of one every 115 minutes.
Among Gunners players to play 10,000 minutes in the competition, only Tony Adams (one every 118 minutes) has a better ratio.
Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and why big-money strikers are struggling
16:00 , Miguel DelaneyEarlier in 2025, Manchester United were stunned when they were told a deal for Benjamin Sesko might be on. That was because they were one of many clubs that fully expected the Slovenian to go to Arsenal. That had been the word for over a year.
It is instead Viktor Gyokeres who occupies the Arsenal striker position. Or, at least, he has occupied it. Gyokeres’s superb goal against Inter Milan couldn’t have been more timely, since Gabriel Jesus scored twice to bolster the debate that the Brazilian should be Mikel Arteta’s starting No 9.
Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and why big-money strikers are struggling
Breaking the run of draws
15:55 , Mike JonesArsenal’s last two Premier League games have both finished 0-0, with West Ham in December 2015 the last team to have three consecutive goalless draws.
Overall there have been 12 instances of a team drawing 0-0 in 3+ Premier League games in a row, with the Gunners responsible for three of those (4 in February 2009, 3 in September 1998, 4 in October 1993).
Can United win today?
15:50 , Mike JonesArsenal are looking to complete their fifth Premier League double over Manchester United, after 1997-98, 2001-02, 2006-07 and 2023-24.
They won 1-0 at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture but have only won both league meetings with the Red Devils without conceding in 1901-02 in the second tier.
Carrick not leaning on previous result against Arteta
15:45 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick has previously beaten Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, when he took temporary charge of Man Utd in 2021.
But, the manager says that result has no bearing on how today’s game will play out.
“I’ll be honest with you, I think the confidence I’m taking going into the game is what we’ve seen since I’ve been here, between me and my staff, in terms of the game itself, training, how the boys have gone about it,” Carrick said.
“Those games from three or four years ago, it’s done, it’s in the past.
“So as much as the experience, it kind of helps you in certain moments, I think it’s a totally different game on Sunday, and two teams going into it. We’re looking forward to it and in good shape.”
An unwanted record on the cards?
15:40 , Mike JonesManchester United are winless in their last six Premier League games against Arsenal (on draw, five defeats).
They’ve never gone seven in a row without a win against the Gunners in their league history.
Five in a row for Arsenal?
15:35 , Mike JonesArsenal have won each of their last four Premier League home games against Manchester United, the longest home winning run against them by any side in the competition.
The last team to win five in a row in the league were West Brom between 1976 and 1980.
Jesus starts ahead of Gyokeres
15:30 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta has decided to reward Gabriel Jesus with a starting place for this crunch clash.
Jesus scored twice against Inter Milan and replaces Viktor Gyokeres - who also scored in Milan - as the main forward in the side.
Can Jesus’ pace help the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table today?
Carrick selects unchanged side
15:25 , Mike JonesFollowing Manchester United’s incredible outing against Manchester City last week, Michael Carrick has named an unchanged team.
That means that Harry Maguire keeps his place in central defence while Kobbie Mainoo partners Casemiro in midfield.
Patrick Dorgu once against starts on the wing ahead of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo leads the line.
'Mikel Arteta bites the bullet'
15:23 , Will Castle at the Emirates StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Emirates Stadium:
“The signs were there. Gabriel Jesus, who fronts today’s programme at the Emirates, starts for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta bites the bullet to drop the under-performing Viktor Gyokeres. Piero Hincapie is also back from injury as, slowly but surely, the Gunners’ defensive fitness woes lighten.
“For United, it’s an unchanged side from the stellar derby outing that saw them dismantle Manchester City. Michael Carrick isn’t fixing what isn’t broken.”
Arsenal team changes
15:20 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta makes four changes to the Arsenal team that defeated Inter Milan during the week in the Champions League.
In defence, Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly are replaced with Piero Hincapie and Gabriel.
Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze are both replaced in midfield by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Man Utd XI to take on Arsenal
15:18 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Lammens: Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo
Michael Carrick names an unchanged XI for today's game ⚫️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 25, 2026
Arsenal team to face Man Utd
15:16 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 25, 2026
🔙 Hincapie returns
⚓️ Rice anchoring the midfield
⚡️ Jesus up top
We know what this game means - COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!
Presented by @deel 🤝
Dorgu adaptable for United
15:10 , Mike JonesPatrick Dorgu ‘can do both’ says Michael Carrick when asked if he was better playing on the wing or as a left-back.
“I think he can do both,” the United boss said.
“He was immense last week. His work rate and the way he plays the position, his general play was something we’re really pleased about.
“I wouldn’t want to pin him down, because I think he can do both.
“Certainly attacking-wise, and that threat, he was pretty impressive last week.”
Michael Carrick explains why Manchester United carry real confidence
15:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleMichael Carrick is prepared for a "big challenge" at table-topping Arsenal but says there is a quiet confidence around Manchester United after last weekend's derby triumph.
The former Red Devils midfielder, captain and coach enjoyed a fine start to life as head coach by masterminding last weekend's impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City.
United deserved to win by a greater scoreline and take the confidence from that surprise success to north London, where a clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal awaits on Sunday afternoon.
"It's been a good week," Carrick said. "It was a big result, a big performance and a big uplift, you know, with the feeling inside the stadium.
"It's getting that balance between taking the encouragement and the confidence from the game itself and the performance and keeping level-headed and the feet on the ground.
"We've got another big game coming up and one game doesn't make you a great team, it gives us a great foundation to build on.
"There's a lot of confidence, a lot of good feeling within the group but measured with that, and we know what's coming and we've got to be ready for it."
Mikel Arteta sends message to Arsenal fans ahead of Manchester United clash
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleMikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal supporters to create "more energy and more positiveness" in the club's pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in the best shape to end their barren league run since Arsene Wenger led the Invincibles to glory more than two decades ago.
However, Arteta's side have played out two goalless draws in their last league fixtures - at home to Liverpool and then at Nottingham Forest - to fuel an already anxious fanbase. Arsenal have finished runners-up for the past three seasons.
But, speaking on the eve of another pivotal match in his side's title tilt, Arteta said: "It is not about calming (the fans), but it is about continuing to do what we are doing really well and try to evolve every single day to be better.
"So, from their side, it is continuing to do what they do in the stadium; create more energy, more positiveness around the games in each action, and if we do that and we create that kind of a scenario, we are going to make it more and more difficult to the opponent, and that is going to help us to win more games."
The Arsenal and Liverpool game plans behind this Premier League season’s dullest feature
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor all that attacking talent, though, this has been a Premier League season dominated by defences and more traditional tactics. Miguel Delaney explains why.
The Arsenal and Liverpool strategies behind a season that is boring fans to death
Myles Lewis-Skelly hails Arsenal’s ‘frightening’ attacking options
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat will the Arsenal forward line look like today? Any team that can let a top talent like Ethan Nwaneri leave on loan is clearly blessed with attacking options, as Myles Lewis-Skelly articulated after a midweek Champions League win.
Myles Lewis-Skelly hails Arsenal’s ‘frightening’ attacking options
It’s easy to see why Man United feel liberated – but here comes the hard part
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was a sense of liberation to Manchester United’s first performance under Michael Carrick, a side shorn of Ruben Amorim’s tight tactical shackles perhaps enjoying a bit more freedom. But, Richard Jolly wrote after the derby day success, the tough bit is what comes next:
It’s easy to see why Man United feel liberated — but here comes the hard part
Not so United?
14:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlso disgruntled with the club they once represented appear to be the prominent band of former players in the media, with the last couple of weeks featuring a row between Roy Keane and the Carrick family, and a spat between Paul Scholes and Lisandro Martinez that appears to still be rumbling on.
Paul Scholes refuses to back down as row with Lisandro Martinez rumbles on
Man United fan group to stage ‘biggest ever protest’ against the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleManchester United may be off to a good start under Michael Carrick but their fans remain unhappy, and are planning a protest ahead of their next home game.
Man United fan group to stage ‘biggest ever protest’ against owners
Michael Carrick reveals Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks after beating him to Manchester United role
13:30 , Richard JollyMichael Carrick has revealed that he has been in touch with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since pipping him to the Manchester United job and said his predecessor has been supportive of him.
United spoke to Solskjaer about the prospect of bringing him back to Old Trafford as head coach after Ruben Amorim’s sacking before opting for his former teammate Carrick instead.
The Englishman had also been on Solskjaer’s backroom staff during his three-year reign as first United’s caretaker and then full-time manager and the pair have remained friends.
Michael Carrick reveals Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks after beating him to Man Utd role
Regis Le Bris says Sunderland must learn to cope without Granit Xhaka
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSunderland boss Regis Le Bris says his side have to learn how to cope without inspirational captain Granit Xhaka.
Midfielder Xhaka missed his first game of the season with an ankle injury as the Black Cats slumped to a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.
The 33-year-old is also likely to be sidelined for next Monday's visit of Burnley and the trip to his former club Arsenal on February 7.
"Don't search for excuses because it should be too easy to say that Granit wasn't here with us, so that explains our defeat," said Le Bris.
"I don't think so. Experience the situation, accept the defeat, analyse deeply and learn."
Xhaka's presence was still felt, however, after he appeared to get into an argument with West Ham fans sitting behind the bench at the London Stadium.
By then his side were well beaten thanks to first-half goals from Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, either side of Jarrod Bowen's penalty, before Brian Brobbey pulled one back after the break.
A second straight win has raised hopes of a survival bid which looked beyond West Ham just a couple of weeks ago.
"Top teams turn up in every single game and win in different ways, so we've got to keep trying to do that," said Bowen. "We've done it over the last few weeks, and the main thing is we're winning games."
West Ham’s survival bid gathers more pace with stunning win over Sunderland
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow about the transformation at West Ham, though? A second consecutive win was secured in style against Sunderland yesterday to raise hopes of avoiding relegation.
West Ham’s survival bid gathers more pace with win over Sunderland
Under-pressure Thomas Frank working ‘very, very hard’ to end Tottenham’s slump
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Frank told Tottenham fans he was “working very, very hard” to turn the club’s fortunes round after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley ended with more chants for him to be sacked.
Skipper Cristian Romero’s flying last-minute header salvaged Tottenham a Premier League point after Burnley responded to Micky van de Ven’s first-half opener with goals from Axel Tuanzebe and substitute Lyle Foster.
Spurs had eased the mounting pressure on Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the summer, by beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home to climb up to fifth in the Champions League table.
But, despite Romero’s brilliant last-minute header at Turf Moor, a large section of Spurs’ travelling fans made it clear they want Frank out.
Under-pressure Thomas Frank working ‘very, very hard’ to end Tottenham’s slump
Thomas Frank in dire straits despite last-gasp Tottenham equaliser at Burnley
12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpeaking of managers under pressure, Thomas Frank’s tough time at Tottenham could soon be at an end after Spurs required a late Cristian Romero equaliser to even draw at Burnley.
Thomas Frank in dire straits despite last-gasp Tottenham equaliser at Burnley
Arne Slot faced with recurring problem as Liverpool stunned by last-gasp Bournemouth winner
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe pressure, meanwhile, ratcheted up again for Arne Slot as his Liverpool side’s winless Premier League run continued after Bournemouth snatched a late winner.
Slot faced with recurring problem as Liverpool stunned by late winner
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