Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered another setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time, before Declan Rice salvaged a point for the Gunners with a clinical strike late on.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrived knowing they had to respond after Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Southampton extended their lead at the top to 16 points. But despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to carve out clear-cut chances, their attacking frustrations resurfacing after recent league struggles.
United, still dealing with a depleted squad, showed resilience. Fernandes capitalised on a rare first-half opportunity, curling a superb free-kick past David Raya for the opener. Arsenal pressed hard in the second half, and after United dropped deeper, Rice finally found a way through, firing in via the post after being teed up by Jurrien Timber.
It was a frustrating night for the visitors, who lacked a cutting edge despite dominating large spells. Merino, operating as a makeshift striker, found little joy against United’s packed defence, while Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard struggled to break through. The Gunners’ attacking woes were evident again, following back-to-back league games without a goal.
United, meanwhile, could have snatched victory in stoppage time. Fernandes, having already beaten Raya once, saw another goal-bound strike denied by the Spaniard in dramatic fashion, clawing the ball away at the last moment.
The result leaves Arsenal 15 points behind Liverpool, who now need just 16 more to clinch the title. With their hopes fading, Arteta’s men might soon find themselves looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack rather than up at the leaders.
