Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice delivered a crucial performance at Old Trafford, scoring a late equalizer and making a game-saving tackle to prevent an embarrassing defeat against a struggling Manchester United. The match ended 1-1, a result that all but ends Arsenal’s slim hopes of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Bruno Fernandes had put United ahead with a stunning free-kick just before halftime, punishing Arsenal’s lack of attacking threat in the opening period. However, Rice struck in the 74th minute, rifling home a powerful shot off the far post to bring the Gunners level. Moments later, he made a critical defensive intervention, denying Rasmus Hojlund a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Despite their efforts, Arsenal remain 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool with only ten matches remaining, leaving their title challenge hanging by a thread.
United Show Signs of Progress Amid Fan Protests
Before kickoff, an estimated 5,000 Manchester United fans protested against the club’s ownership by the Glazers and Ineos, marking yet another day of unrest at Old Trafford. Dressed in black to symbolize what they called the “slow death” of the club, supporters made their voices heard throughout the first half. However, United’s improved second-half display momentarily shifted the atmosphere from anger to hope.
Ruben Amorim’s side, sitting 14th in the table, have endured an inconsistent campaign, but they showed resilience against Arsenal. Fernandes’ expertly placed free-kick caught David Raya off guard, and United’s defensive shape frustrated Mikel Arteta’s men for large spells. Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho injected energy into United’s attack in the second half, but Declan Rice’s equalizer ultimately denied them a morale-boosting victory.
Arsenal Struggle for Cutting Edge Despite Late Pressure
The Gunners entered this fixture knowing they had little margin for error in the title race. However, their attacking play lacked urgency for much of the first half, with Mikel Merino deployed in a false-nine role as Arsenal continued to struggle without a natural striker. Gabriel Martinelli’s return from injury saw him start on the bench, while Martin Ødegaard’s long-range efforts were Arsenal’s most dangerous moments before Rice’s goal.
After going behind, Arsenal gradually improved, forcing Andre Onana into action. Ødegaard had a powerful shot tipped over the bar, and Merino’s volley narrowly missed the target. The breakthrough finally arrived when Jurrien Timber surged down the right and picked out Rice, whose precise strike gave Onana no chance. Arteta’s late substitutions, including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Kieran Tierney, provided fresh energy, but the Gunners could not find a winner.
David Raya’s Heroics Keep Arsenal in the Game
While Rice earned plaudits for his crucial contributions, goalkeeper David Raya was equally vital in securing the point. The Spaniard had come under fire for his positioning on Fernandes’ goal but redeemed himself with a string of fine saves in the second half.
Raya’s standout moment came when he denied Noussair Mazraoui’s close-range volley, stretching out a foot to divert the ball away. Later, he reacted sharply to keep out a back-heeled effort from Zirkzee. Without Raya’s interventions, Arsenal might have left Old Trafford empty-handed, further compounding their recent struggles.
Liverpool Edge Closer to Premier League Glory
With this result, Arsenal have now dropped crucial points in consecutive games, leaving Liverpool firmly in control of the title race. The Reds hold a commanding 15-point lead and require only 16 more points from their remaining nine matches to secure their 20th English top-flight title—matching Manchester United’s historic record.
For Arsenal, the focus may now shift towards solidifying their position in the top four rather than chasing an unlikely title comeback. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s performance showed promise, but they remain far off the level expected of a club with their storied history. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will have to reassess their ambitions, but the reality is clear—Liverpool’s coronation is only a matter of time.
