Defeating Arsenal positions Manchester United in contention for the Premier League title.

LONDON — Manchester United inflicted a significant setback on Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions as Matheus Cunha’s winner in the 87th minute secured a remarkable 3-2 victory for the visitors at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners conclude the day with only a four-point advantage over Manchester City and Aston Villa after suffering their first home defeat since May 2024 in an exhilarating match. Following a victory over City in his debut as interim manager, Michael Carrick has now guided United to their first win at Arsenal since December 2017, showcasing a composed performance characterized by counterattacking play.

Lisandro Martínez inadvertently put the ball into his own net under pressure from Jurriën Timber, granting Arsenal a 29th-minute lead, yet the home team appeared anxious in possession. Martín Zubimendi’s misplaced pass allowed Bryan Mbeumo to equalize eight minutes later, as he rounded David Raya with a clever finish after being put through on goal.

United took the lead five minutes after halftime when Patrick Dorgu received a pass from Bruno Fernandes and unleashed a stunning 25-yard shot that struck the underside of Raya’s crossbar and went in. Arsenal believed they had salvaged a point when Mikel Merino forced the ball over the line following a scramble in the box from a Bukayo Saka corner, but substitute Cunha had the final say, curling a superb shot from the edge of the area to secure a memorable win for United. — James Olley

Victory over Arsenal propels Man United into title contention

Has Carrick performed a remarkable turnaround by transforming Manchester United into title challengers after just two matches in charge?

This may seem far-fetched, but following an impressive 3-2 victory against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates, United has risen to fourth place and is now 12 points behind the top position. Their supporters chanted “We’re gonna win the league” after the match concluded.

In a typical season, a 12-point deficit at this point would generally eliminate the fourth-placed team from contention, but this season has proven to be highly unpredictable, leaving room for possibilities. Neither Arsenal nor second-placed Manchester City — both defeated by United in the last eight days — are currently displaying championship form, while Aston Villa closed the gap to four points from the top by defeating Newcastle United earlier in the day, having lost to Everton at home the previous Sunday.

With the three teams ahead of them facing a demanding schedule of UEFA Champions League and domestic cup matches, distractions lie ahead for each of them as the season progresses. United, however, can concentrate solely on league fixtures, allowing Carrick and his squad 15 matches to achieve success this season.

At present, this entails securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, but Carrick has transformed United into formidable competitors in crucial matches, and they are gaining momentum. The upcoming home match against Fulham marks the beginning of a series of favorable fixtures in February, although similar opportunities have previously posed challenges for United.

The question now is whether United can solidify their top-four position and then aim for the title. While it may seem unlikely, the unique circumstances of this season could work in their favor. — Mark Ogden

Arsenal’s title challenge shows signs of nerves

A peculiar atmosphere enveloped Emirates Stadium throughout the afternoon.

Arsenal has made considerable progress in enhancing the matchday experience and fostering an intimidating environment for visiting teams, but the weight of the opportunity before them — claiming their first Premier League title since 2004 — appeared to affect everyone associated with the Gunners on Sunday. Zubimendi’s mistake that led to Mbeumo’s equalizer was not an isolated incident, as several other players, including a surprisingly unsettled William Saliba, also made errors.

Their game management raises concerns about their mentality to navigate the title race from this point forward. This follows goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, matches where hesitation and caution crept into their performance.

Manager Mikel Arteta made an unusual quadruple substitution just before the hour mark, but Arsenal failed to find any additional fluidity. After being his usual energetic self while the scores were level, he appeared curiously static as Arsenal sought to regain control.

There is much for him to contemplate, even if they remain favorites to secure the league title. — Olley

United appear liberated without Amorim

Ruben Amorim’s standing as one of Europe’s top young coaches took a significant hit during his 14-month tenure as United manager. The former Sporting CP coach transformed a struggling United side into an even less effective one, achieving the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish last season.

If Amorim’s reputation had already diminished prior to his departure earlier this month, Carrick’s two matches in charge will have further tarnished it. In just two games, Carrick has revitalized this United team by employing a formation they are comfortable with and placing players in their optimal positions.

Amorim rarely did either, complicating straightforward tasks. His rigid approach ultimately led to his dismissal.

United now appears to be a transformed side under Carrick and his coaching staff, playing with the confidence and flair that the club expects from its players.

Amorim will find opportunities again after his United experience, but Carrick is not aiding him in restoring his reputation. — Ogden

Squad depth masking Arsenal’s ineffective attack

Arsenal’s attacking unit has not consistently functioned well this season.

This may seem an odd point to raise given their position at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League, but their standing in both competitions has been built on defensive solidity rather than attacking dynamism. Consequently, when the defense falters, these issues become more pronounced.

This marked only the sixth occasion in 117 home matches that Arsenal has conceded three goals in a league game under Arteta.

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Viktor Gyökeres’ struggles since joining from Sporting last summer have been somewhat overlooked, but Arteta’s choice to start Gabriel Jesus in this match acknowledged that the Sweden international is not yet ready for every significant occasion. Jesus, who netted twice against Internazionale midweek, arguably earned his chance, but he was ineffective here and substituted before the hour mark. He recorded 26 touches but only one shot with an expected goals figure of 0.01. Gyökeres received half an hour at the end but managed just seven touches.

They may still secure trophies without a prolific No. 9, given their depth, but any hopes that Jesus could provide a quick fix were dashed here. — Olley

Dorgu’s fortunes shift dramatically under Carrick

Dorgu is nearing the first anniversary of his £25 million transfer to Manchester United from Lecce, and for much of his time at Old Trafford, the 21-year-old has appeared out of his depth. The Denmark winger almost epitomized Amorim’s disappointing 14-month tenure as manager due to his inability to make an impact in a red shirt.

Dorgu failed to score in any of his first 26 league appearances for United, and his confidence seemed shattered by the time Amorim departed the club earlier this month. However, his spectacular long-range goal at the Emirates, which put United ahead 2-1, was his third goal in his last six league matches and followed closely after his goal in last week’s 2-0 victory against Manchester City.

Confidence is crucial for any footballer, and Dorgu is demonstrating how much a little patience and support from a manager can alter a player’s trajectory.

He exited this match with what appeared to be a muscle injury in the closing stages, so United will be hoping it is not something that will sideline Dorgu. A month ago, no one at Old Trafford would have been concerned if Dorgu were unavailable. — Ogden