Declan Rice’s late equalizer denied Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim a much-needed victory, while further damaging Arsenal’s faltering Premier League title hopes in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.
With the draw, Arsenal now sit 15 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, having only one game in hand. Their focus has shifted to securing a Champions League spot for next season, with the title race slipping further out of reach.
Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick put United ahead in first-half stoppage time, but the Red Devils were unable to hold on for just their sixth Premier League win in 16 games under Amorim. Rice’s powerful strike 16 minutes from time earned the visitors a share of the spoils.
United now languish in 14th place.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta marked his 200th Premier League match in charge. With 118 wins, he trails only Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, and Sir Alex Ferguson among the league’s managerial greats.
However, despite Arteta’s accomplishments, it seems the Gunners will finish second for the third consecutive season, extending their wait for a league title.
Meanwhile, Amorim admitted he is unlikely to get the same time as Arteta to turn around United’s fortunes.
The growing discontent among the Old Trafford crowd was evident, with many protesting by wearing black, symbolizing their frustration with what they see as the “death” of the club under current ownership.
Arsenal’s title hopes were already looking slim after failing to score in their previous two league matches.
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However, a confidence-boosting 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League midweek gave Arteta’s men a brief resurgence. Despite missing key attackers like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal started positively but lacked a true striker. Midfielder Mikel Merino, filling in as a forward, fired wide from the edge of the box early on.
United, who have also struggled for goals this season, were inspired by their captain, Fernandes.
His exquisite free-kick just before halftime gave the home side the lead. Although questions were raised over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s positioning, Fernandes still had to curl the ball over the wall and into the net.
Raya, who could be blamed for the goal, redeemed himself in the second half with a series of important saves. United had chances to extend their lead, but Raya kept them in the game, denying Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.
Arteta brought on Martinelli, returning from a hamstring injury, in search of an equalizer. However, it was Rice who responded, matching Fernandes’ earlier brilliance with a well-taken goal, smashing a shot past Andre Onana after a pass from Jurrien Timber.
Amorim had opted to drop Rasmus Hojlund to the bench after a long goal drought, but the striker had two chances to end his streak, only for Arsenal’s defense to deny him.
As the match entered stoppage time, Raya was once again called into action, stopping Fernandes from scoring a late winner.
In the end, a point does little to boost Arsenal’s title challenge.
Arteta’s side remains in second place, four points ahead of third-placed Nottingham Forest and eight points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City, as they aim to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
Reported by Channels
