Arsenal’s title struggle was ended by Manchester United’s superb goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over the league leaders on Sunday.
Arsenal were level at the Emirates Stadium when Lisandro Martinez’ own goal came from Bryan Mbeumo before half-time.
After the break, United held on in command thanks to Patrick Dorgu’s brilliant effort, but it appeared as though Mikel Merino’s late goal had saved the team.
Brazilian forward Cunha scored the winning goal three minutes into the game with a stunning drive.
Since losing to Aston Villa in December, Arsenal has lost just 13 games overall.
The Gunners lost to Bournemouth in May, their first home defeat in all 18 games.
Arsenal are currently four points clear of second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa, who both won this weekend to close the gap with victories over Wolves and Newcastle, respectively.
Arsenal’s three-game winless run in the league has given the title race new life, despite Pep Guardiola’s statement that the city boss is the “best team in the world.”
Arsenal still have control over their destiny, but their goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest raised concerns for their anxious fans. As a result, boss Mikel Arteta’s situation is even more worrying.
Arsenal, who haven’t won the title in 22 years, will have to put their nerves to the test in the upcoming weeks after squandering significant lead in previous title races, have not lifted a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.
Michael Carrick’s impressive start to his interim administration was continued by United’s first victory at the Emirates Stadium since December 2017.
Carrick, who was hired to replace Ruben Amorim temporarily, began his tenure with a surprise 2-0 victory over Manchester City over the weekend.
After Amorim’s turbulent reign in charge, he has already won over the top two to propel United to fourth place.
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Sting in the story
In the 29th minute, Arsenal’s unrelenting pressure came to an end.
Dorgu’s inability to clear from Piero Hincapie’s cross caused United to concede a pathetic goal.
Bukayo Saka pounced and headed his cross past Martin Odegaard, but the Arsenal captain misjudged his effort, and Martinez made a hash of clearing under the pressure of Jurrien Timber, who had forced the United defender to release the ball.
In their previous two league games, Arsenal had not allowed a shot on target.
However, the Gunners did the same with an even more careless error in the 37th minute if Arsenal’s opener had been gifted-wrapped by United.
Mbeumo seized on Zubimendi’s woefully subdued back pass before firing home after circling Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Since joining United in his first season, Mbeumo’s ninth goal in all competitions continued the Cameroon forward’s gradual progress.
Five minutes later, Carrick’s men had completely lost their grip on the game.
Dorgu was picked out by Bruno Fernandes, who took a touch before lashing into the top corner from 20 yards.
Arsenal requested a handball in Dorgu, but VAR authorized the goal to stand as a shiver of concern rose over the Emirates Stadium.
The 21-year-old’s second goal in a row demonstrated Carrick’s decision to switch him from the defensive position to an attacking one.
Arsenal, to their credit, refused to surrender and scored the equalizer in the 84th minute.
As Lammens failed to capture Saka’s corner and Merino bundled home from close range, another Arsenal set-piece caused the damage.
However, the 87th minute’s story for Arsenal had a sting.
Cunha and Fernandes both scored from 25 yards before firing a superb strike past Raya.
