Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (3-5 pens): Altay Bayindir saves from Kai Havertz in penalty shoot-out as 10-player FA Cup holders progress

In a gripping encounter, Altay Bayindir became the standout star for Manchester United, leading the team to a penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal, despite being reduced to 10 players. This win propels United into the FA Cup fourth round, where they will face Leicester City.

The United goalkeeper played a pivotal role by saving a penalty from Kai Havertz during the shoot-out, ensuring a 5-3 win from the spot after the match concluded in a 1-1 draw following extra time at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz, who struggled throughout the match and missed several key opportunities, was unable to convert his penalty. This misstep allowed Joshua Zirkzee to score the crucial spot-kick, sparking celebrations among United fans, especially as Zirkzee himself had been looking to find his scoring form.

Despite facing the challenge of playing with one less player after Diogo Dalot’s red card, United managed to withstand Arsenal’s pressure. Bayindir’s remarkable save from Martin Odegaard’s contentious penalty was a turning point, prompting the team to declare “Justice” on social media.

This victory serves as a significant milestone for United under manager Ruben Amorim, following impressive wins against rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. They are set to face Leicester City in their next match, scheduled between February 7 and February 10.

On the other hand, Arsenal is left reflecting on their attacking capabilities and the urgent need for a new striker as they navigate recent disappointments in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. They must now prepare for a crucial North London derby against Tottenham to keep their Premier League aspirations alive.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

The match was rife with excitement and contentious moments from the opening whistle to the final penalty.

Arsenal experienced a setback when Gabriel Martinelli’s first-half goal was ruled offside, a call that ignited debates among fans and analysts. Their frustrations mounted when Gabriel Jesus was taken off on a stretcher after a tackle from Fernandes, compounding their woes. United, under Amorim’s guidance, showed marked improvement, especially as they fought valiantly with a man down to clinch the victory. The resilience displayed was commendable and added to the satisfaction of the win. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment at the result but praised his team for their hard work, emphasizing the importance of converting opportunities. Amorim reflected on the team’s progress and fighting spirit, particularly in challenging scenarios like being a player short. Both managers recognized the hurdles they faced and the positive developments from this match, laying the groundwork for future enhancements.