Declan Rice’s thunderous strike salvaged a point for Arsenal at Old Trafford, but it did little to aid their chase of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal dominated the first half, dictating possession but failing to capitalize. Their lack of a cutting edge proved costly as Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes curled a stunning 25-yard free-kick past David Raya in first-half stoppage time. Raya, poorly positioned, could only watch as the ball sailed into the net.
The Spanish goalkeeper redeemed himself in the second half, producing crucial saves to deny Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee as United pushed forward with renewed energy. Arsenal, desperate to avoid defeat, finally broke through in the 74th minute. United failed to clear their lines, and Rice unleashed a powerful drive past Andre Onana, silencing the Stretford End.
Despite the equalizer, Arsenal’s hopes of catching Liverpool remain slim. The Gunners sit 15 points behind the league leaders, who have played a game more, making a late title charge seem improbable.
United, meanwhile, showed signs of fight in the second half, spurred on by Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker was at the heart of United’s attacking efforts, nearly snatching victory in the dying seconds. His close-range effort was somehow kept out by Raya, who made a miraculous recovery to deny United all three points.
While Ruben Amorim’s side remains a shadow of their former self, Fernandes continues to shine. The captain now has seven league goals and leads United’s goal-and-assist tally with 14.
The draw lifts United to 14th place—a stark reminder of their struggles. Arsenal, though still in the title conversation, must find consistency if they hope to challenge Liverpool’s dominance.
