Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (3-5 pens): Bayindir & Zirkzee Secure FA Cup Progress
Emirates Stadium, January 12, 2025
Manchester United advanced to the Emirates FA Cup fourth round with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal, after a pulsating contest ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring early in the second half, following a blistering counterattack led by Alejandro Garnacho. However, a chaotic ten-minute spell saw Diogo Dalot sent off, Gabriel equalising for Arsenal, and Altay Bayindir saving a Martin Ødegaard penalty to keep United in the game.
The match remained level after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Bayindir saved again, denying Kai Havertz, before Joshua Zirkzee slotted home the decisive spot-kick to send United through.
First Half – United Solid at the Back
Arsenal controlled much of the early possession but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. Manuel Ugarte’s combative midfield presence helped keep United defensively compact, and the offside trap worked efficiently to deny the Gunners, notably catching Gabriel Martinelli before he put the ball in the net.
United’s best first-half chance fell to Kobbie Mainoo, whose curling effort from distance was well held by David Raya. Alejandro Garnacho also threatened on the break, firing a powerful shot towards goal, while Fernandes had a penalty appeal waved away following a clash with Gabriel Jesus. The incident left Jesus injured, and he was stretchered off before halftime.
Second Half – Bayindir the Hero
United came out with renewed attacking intent and broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Garnacho launched a counterattack and picked out Fernandes in space, who expertly curled a shot beyond Raya into the net, sending the away fans into raptures.
However, the match was turned on its head shortly after. Dalot received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Mikel Merino, reducing United to ten men. Arsenal took full advantage, as Gabriel pounced on a loose ball from a Martinelli cross to volley home the equaliser in the 70th minute.
Just minutes later, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Harry Maguire was adjudged to have pulled down Havertz in the box. A scuffle ensued, but Bayindir remained composed, diving low to his left to deny Ødegaard’s spot-kick and keep United level. The Turkish goalkeeper was called upon again, producing a brilliant save to tip Declan Rice’s long-range effort over the bar.
As stoppage time loomed, United nearly snatched a winner, with Zirkzee’s effort deflected narrowly wide. Arsenal, too, had a late chance, but Havertz missed from point-blank range.
Extra Time – Stalemate Before Shootout
Both teams pushed for a decisive goal in extra time. Arsenal nearly went ahead when Havertz set up Leandro Trossard, only for Matthijs de Ligt to intervene. Zirkzee was denied by Raya, while Amad’s late header also went close. However, neither side could find the breakthrough, leading to penalties.
Penalty Shootout – United Hold Their Nerve
Bayindir, already a hero in normal time, delivered again in the shootout by saving Havertz’s penalty, handing United the advantage. Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad, and Maguire all converted their spot-kicks, before Zirkzee coolly slotted home United’s fifth, sealing a 5-3 shootout win and a place in the fourth round.
Match Details:
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber (Partey 101), Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly (Trossard 91); Jorginho (Tierney 113), Merino (Rice 73), Ødegaard (c); Jesus (Sterling 40), Havertz, Martinelli.
Unused substitutes: Neto, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Butler-Oyedeji.
Goal: Gabriel 70.
Booked: Gabriel, Havertz.
Manchester United XI: Bayindir; De Ligt, Maguire (Yoro 104), Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte (Malacia 91), Mainoo (Collyer 81), Dalot; Fernandes (c), Garnacho (Amad 80); Hojlund (Zirkzee 81).
Unused substitutes: Onana, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony.
Goal: Fernandes 52.
Booked: Martinez, Fernandes, Dalot, Mainoo, Maguire.
Sent off: Dalot (second yellow card).
Post-Match Reactions
United boss Ruben Amorim praised his team’s resilience: “To come through in this manner, down to ten men, speaks volumes about the character of this squad. Bayindir was outstanding.”
Match-winner Joshua Zirkzee added, “I knew it was on me to finish the job, and I stayed calm. The fans made it special.”
With a place in the FA Cup fourth round secured, United turn their focus back to the Premier League, where they face Southampton in their next fixture.
