Matheus Cunha’s thunderous late strike stunned the Emirates Stadium and sent shockwaves through the Premier League title race as Manchester United edged Arsenal 3–2 in a pulsating encounter on Sunday. With three minutes left on the clock and tension gripping every corner of the ground, the Brazilian forward unleashed a fierce drive from distance that flashed past David Raya and into the net, sealing a dramatic victory that could have far-reaching consequences for both clubs. For Arsenal, it was a painful blow to their title charge; for United, it was another statement win in their remarkable revival under interim manager Michael Carrick.
The match began with Arsenal asserting the kind of relentless pressure that has defined much of their season. Roared on by a packed home crowd, the Gunners pushed United deep into their own half and were rewarded in the 29th minute with a goal that owed more to chaos than craft. Patrick Dorgu failed to deal with Piero Hincapie’s cross, Bukayo Saka reacted quickly to clip the ball back into the danger area, and although Martin Odegaard miscued his effort, Lisandro Martinez, under pressure from Jurrien Timber, made a mess of the clearance. The ball ricocheted awkwardly off his heel and into the net, gifting Arsenal the lead amid loud celebrations.
Arsenal appeared in complete control at that stage, especially considering they had not allowed a single shot on target in their previous two league outings. United struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity and movement, and for long stretches it seemed only a matter of time before Arsenal extended their advantage. Yet football’s unpredictability surfaced in the 37th minute when a careless defensive lapse turned the match on its head.
Martin Zubimendi’s woefully under-hit back pass invited danger, and Bryan Mbeumo accepted the invitation with composure. The Cameroon forward raced onto the loose ball, rounded Raya with calm precision, and slotted into the empty net to level the scores. It was Mbeumo’s ninth goal in all competitions since his move from Brentford, underlining his growing importance to United’s attack and shifting the momentum sharply away from Arsenal just before the interval.
Carrick’s influence became even more apparent five minutes into the second half. Bruno Fernandes spotted Dorgu in space and threaded a pass into his path. The 21-year-old, deployed in a more advanced role by Carrick, took a steadying touch before unleashing a ferocious 20-yard strike that flew into the top corner. Arsenal players appealed for handball in the build-up, but VAR allowed the goal to stand, and a stunned silence fell over the Emirates as United completed a swift turnaround.
With their title hopes under threat, Arsenal responded with urgency and determination. Mikel Arteta urged his side forward, and the Gunners began to pin United back with waves of attacks. Their persistence paid off in the 84th minute from a familiar source — a set-piece. Bukayo Saka’s corner caused confusion in the United penalty area, goalkeeper Lammens failed to claim it cleanly, and Mikel Merino reacted quickest to bundle the ball home from close range, reigniting belief among the home faithful.
But just as Arsenal sensed a dramatic rescue act, United struck a devastating final blow. In the 87th minute, Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo combined cleverly to set up Cunha on the edge of the box. The Brazilian needed no second invitation, driving a powerful effort from 25 yards that whistled past Raya and into the net. The away bench erupted in celebration while the Emirates crowd fell into disbelieving silence at the sheer quality and timing of the strike.
The defeat ended Arsenal’s 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions and marked their first home loss in 18 games since May. It also tightened the title race significantly, with Manchester City and Aston Villa closing the gap after their own weekend victories. Pep Guardiola had recently described Arsenal as the “best team in the world,” but a three-game winless league run has now introduced fresh anxiety into the title picture and intensified scrutiny on Arteta, who is desperate to avoid another late-season collapse.
For United, this result was further evidence of their resurgence under Carrick. Having already shocked Manchester City the previous weekend, United claimed their first win at the Emirates since 2017 and climbed into fourth place. Carrick’s tactical tweaks, particularly pushing Dorgu into a more attacking role, have breathed life into a squad that struggled during Ruben Amorim’s turbulent tenure.
As the final whistle blew, the contrasting emotions were clear. Arsenal walked off knowing their destiny remains in their hands but aware that the margin for error has narrowed dangerously. United, meanwhile, left north London with renewed belief that their season has been transformed. Cunha’s unforgettable strike may yet prove to be one of the defining moments of this Premier League campaign.