Manchester United ended their long wait for a win in north London in dramatic fashion on Sunday, edging Arsenal 3–2 at the Emirates Stadium for their first victory there since the 2017–18 season.
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils came from behind to secure a stunning win against the Premier League leaders, extending his perfect start to life at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils arrived in buoyant form, unbeaten in five matches and fresh from an impressive 2–0 derby triumph over Manchester City under Carrick, and they carried that momentum into another pulsating Premier League encounter.
Arsenal, who had entered the contest on the back of consecutive goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, were eager to rediscover their cutting edge in front of their home supporters.
Despite scoring twice and showing flashes of their quality, the Gunners were ultimately unable to halt United’s growing resurgence.
Just days after defeating City, United delivered another seismic statement in the title race, repeating the trick against the league’s other dominant force and leaving Arsenal stunned, silenced, and suddenly vulnerable.
The Emirates had been rocking moments earlier when Mikel Merino hauled Arsenal level with six minutes remaining, seemingly swinging momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour.
But Matheus Cunha had other ideas.
With ice in his veins and brilliance in his boots, Cunha curled a sensational right-footed strike into the bottom corner from over 20 yards, snatching the points and sending the away end into delirium.
It was a goal worthy of winning any match — and one that may yet come to define United’s season.
A chaotic, high-quality contest
From the opening whistle, the match had all the hallmarks of a classic. Arsenal dominated possession early, probing patiently through Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, while United looked menacing on the counter-attack.
United struck first through Bryan Mbeumo, who finished clinically after a sweeping break that exposed Arsenal’s high defensive line.
Mbeumo, already on a hot streak following his strike against Manchester City, capitalised on a woeful backpass from Martin Zubimendi to equalise before the break.
The goal marked his eighth league goal of the season and his 50th in the Premier League.
The home side responded with intensity, levelling through a well-worked move that reignited the crowd and restored belief.
But United refused to wilt.
Patrick Dorgu produced a moment of magic to restore their lead, rifling a stunning effort past David Raya and leaving Arsenal momentarily rattled.
Following a smart exchange with Bruno Fernandes, the left-back’s strike flew into the net via the crossbar.
A brief VAR check for a potential handball did not alter the outcome, highlighting Dorgu’s growing importance to United — though he would later be forced off due to injury.
Arsenal fight back again
Mikel Arteta’s side showed why they remain among the title favourites. Wave after wave of pressure followed, corners rained in, and United were forced into desperate defending.
Their resistance finally cracked in the 84th minute. From a corner, Arsenal won the first header, United scrambled a clearance off the line, but Merino reacted quickest to force the ball home and make it 2–2.
Arteta erupted on the touchline. The Emirates believed. Momentum was entirely with Arsenal.
Cunha delivers the knockout blow
Then came the twist nobody saw coming. With just three minutes of normal time remaining, the ball fell to Cunha on the edge of the area. He took one touch, glanced up, and bent a magnificent strike beyond Raya’s reach and into the bottom corner.
Silence swept across the Emirates. United’s players piled onto Cunha in disbelief, while Arsenal’s supporters stood frozen, struggling to comprehend what they had just witnessed.
It was the first time Arsenal had conceded three goals in 121 matches — and it could not have come at a worse moment.
Late drama, but United hold firm
Seven minutes of stoppage time followed, filled with chaos and nerves.
Viktor Gyökeres thought he had a golden chance to equalise late on, but the move was halted for a foul in the build-up.
Bruno Fernandes wasted a speculative effort, tempers flared, and bookings followed.
When the final whistle sounded, United’s bench spilled onto the pitch after another giant had fallen.
Carrick, ever composed, clenched his left fist and subtly punched the air twice, before sharing a low-key embrace with his staff and a handshake with Mikel Arteta.
For the 44-year-old, this was just another example of what Manchester United do.
Carrick continues perfect start
There was fair scepticism around Carrick’s appointment, given his recent Championship spell at Middlesbrough.
But something clicks whenever he takes his place in the dugout.
United have now gone five games unbeaten across his two spells, including wins against Arteta, Guardiola, and Tuchel.
While plans remain for him to step aside in the summer, he is making a strong case for a full-term role, instilling swagger, determination, and real quality into the squad.
What it means
The victory lifts Manchester United into the top four and sends shockwaves through the Premier League title race.
Beating Manchester City and Arsenal in consecutive matches is a statement few could have imagined weeks ago.
For Arsenal, the defeat is not terminal — but it is a warning.
Their cushion at the top has narrowed to four points over Manchester City and Aston Villa, and rivals are circling.
Reflecting on the defeat, Arteta said: “Credit to them because you need those moments in big games. We were dominant early but dropped our standard. After United scored at 2–2, it felt like game on.”
He went on to add, “It’s a painful one, but we have to learn from it and remind our players how good they are.”
