Manchester United Edge Arsenal in FA Cup Penalty Shootout After Dramatic Tie

Manchester United pulled off a stunning FA Cup victory over Arsenal, winning a penalty shootout 5-3 after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.

Joshua Zirkzee scored the winning penalty for 10-man Manchester United against Arsenal, securing a 5-3 shootout victory after their FA Cup third-round tie finished 1-1 following extra time at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal's Kai Havertz was the only player among the first four penalty takers to miss, denied by a brilliant stop from Altay Bayindir. Zirkzee, who had been booed off the pitch in a defeat by Newcastle United last month, stepped up to score the decisive penalty.

Manchester United's second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was thrilled to have played a crucial role in the team's victory. “I just want to help this great team,” Bayindir told the BBC. “I want to make everyone happy for this great club ... if you are not playing it doesn't matter. You have to be ready every minute, every second – if you are a Man Utd player you have to be ready always.” Bayindir's comments highlighted his commitment to the team and his desire to contribute to their success, even when not playing regularly.

The match was a thrilling encounter, with Manchester United taking the lead in the 52nd minute through Bruno Fernandes' curling effort. The goal was set up by a great run from Alejandro Garnacho, who created space for Fernandes to unleash his shot. However, the game took a dramatic turn 10 minutes later when United's Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Mikel Merino, reducing his team to 10 men. Despite the setback, United held on to force extra time, eventually emerging victorious in the penalty shootout.

How @MdeLigt_04 got to this, we don't know 🤯#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/m2GmRFF9r7

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 13, 2025

Two minutes after Manchester United's Diogo Dalot was sent off, Arsenal capitalized on the numerical advantage. Altay Bayindir's attempted punch fell at the feet of Gabriel, whose shot took a wicked deflection off Matthijs de Ligt and into the net, leveling the tie. Arsenal were then awarded a questionable penalty after Kai Havertz went down under minimal contact from Harry Maguire. However, Bayindir produced a superb save from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, denying the Gunners the opportunity to take the lead.

Despite creating several chances, Arsenal were unable to find the winning goal, and the match ultimately went to extra time. United almost scored an unlikely winner in the second period of extra time, but David Raya pushed Joshua Zirkzee's goalbound shot wide. The match was decided by a penalty shootout, which United won 5-3. The victory marked a significant turnaround for United, who had struggled under new boss Ruben Amorim. Amorim reflected on the team's performance, saying, “Especially in the first half, we played well, better than in the first game.” United will face Leicester City, managed by former United great Ruud van Nistelrooy, in the fourth round.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left disappointed by his team's inability to score and capitalize on their numerical advantage. “We didn't get what we deserved,” Arteta told reporters. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Arsenal were unable to find the winning goal, and their FA Cup campaign came to an end. The defeat marked a missed opportunity for Arsenal to advance in the competition and build momentum in their season.