Interim coach Michael Carrick maintained the same starting lineup from his debut 3-0 victory over Manchester City, but significantly adjusted the team's approach. In contrast to the possession-based, attacking style seen in the Manchester derby, Manchester United adopted a deep defensive formation, ceding possession to Arsenal, yet they were far from outmatched.

In the first half, Arsenal controlled the ball for 56% of the time, attempting 7 shots and generating an expected goals (xG) metric of 0,56 – slightly higher than the visitors' 6 shots and 0,43 xG.

Arsenal celebrates their opening goal. Photo: Shutterstock

Mikel Arteta's squad dominated possession in the first half's opening period, reaching 75% at one point. However, the "Gunners" struggled to break through, primarily circulating the ball around the penalty area and relying on Bukayo Saka's runs down the right flank. Their first significant opportunity came from a set piece, when Declan Rice delivered a cross for Martin Zubimendi's close-range header, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens reacted quickly to push the ball out for a corner.

The Emirates Stadium hosts needed a stroke of luck to find the opening goal. In the 29th minute, Saka delivered the ball into the penalty area from the right wing for Martin Odegaard to connect with. In an attempt to challenge Jurrien Timber, defender Lisandro Martinez inadvertently deflected the ball off his heel, changing its direction directly into his own net.

Martinez became the fourth player to score an own goal against Arsenal in the English Premier League this season, following Sam Johnstone, Yerson Muslimra, and Georginio Rutter. The Argentine defender is also the second Manchester United player to score an own goal against Arsenal in the league, after Gary Pallister in March 1994.

After their dominant start to the first half, Arsenal surprisingly faltered, playing disjointedly and frequently misplacing passes in midfield. One such error was punished by Manchester United. In the 37th minute, despite facing no pressure, Zubimendi made a faulty back pass, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to break through on goal. The Cameroonian forward rounded goalkeeper David Raya and finished into an empty net, leveling the score for the visitors.

Mbeumo became the first player to score against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool in his debut English Premier League season for Manchester United, since Marcus Rashford in the 2022-2023 season. He is also the first new signing to achieve this in his inaugural season for the club since Robin van Persie in the 2012-2013 season.

The first-half mistake seemed to heavily impact Zubimendi's morale. In the second half, the Spanish midfielder continued to err. In the 50th minute, he lost a challenge just outside the penalty area, creating an opportunity for Patrick Dorgu to break free and unleash a powerful left-footed shot across goal. The ball struck the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the net, leaving David Raya with no chance. This was Dorgu's third goal in his last six English Premier League appearances, after failing to score in his first 28 matches in the competition.

Immediately, coach Mikel Arteta responded by making four substitutions, bringing on Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Ben White, and Viktor Gyokeres. However, Arsenal remained stagnant and could only rely on set pieces to find an equalizer. In the 84th minute, from a corner kick on the right wing, Bukayo Saka's delivery created a scramble in the penalty area, before Merino quickly slotted the ball in from close range. Although a Manchester United player cleared the ball strongly from the goalmouth, goal-line technology confirmed it had crossed the line.

Matheus Cunha's curling shot sealed the 3-2 victory. Photo: The Guardian

The home team's joy lasted for only three minutes. From a one-two passing move in midfield, Matheus Cunha drove towards the edge of the penalty area before unleashing his trademark right-footed curling shot. The ball swerved past defender Gabriel Magalhaes and nestled into the far corner, making Raya's diving save merely a decorative flourish for a spectacular goal.

The 3-2 victory made Manchester United the first visiting team to score two goals from outside the penalty area against Arsenal in the English Premier League since Tottenham in October 2008. The "Red Devils" also became the first club to conquer the Emirates "fortress" this season. This also marked the first time Arsenal conceded three goals in an English Premier League match since their 4-3 chase victory over Luton Town in December 2023, ending a streak of 83 consecutive games without conceding more than two goals.