Stalemate between previous foes at Theatre of Desires

Manchester United and Arsenal battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Outdated Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes’ beautiful first-half free-kick canceled out by a late Declan Rice strike.

Regardless of Arsenal’s early dominance, the hosts struck first in opposition to the run of play, earlier than the guests lastly broke by way of within the latter phases to assert a share of the factors.

Arsenal began brightly, controlling possession and retaining Manchester United pinned inside their very own half.

The Gunners pressed excessive and dictated the tempo, however their efforts did not translate into clear-cut alternatives. Onana was largely untroubled within the opening exchanges, making routine saves from efforts by Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.

Manchester United, in the meantime, struggled to discover a foothold however remained defensively compact, typically reverting to a five-man backline to soak up Arsenal’s stress.

Their plan was clear: absorb possession and strike rapidly on the counter. Nonetheless, they had been largely ineffective till the closing moments of the primary half.

Then, in first-half stoppage time, United surprised Arsenal. Alejandro Garnacho received a free-kick 25 yards from aim after being introduced down by Leandro Trossard. Up stepped Fernandes, who curled a chic effort over the wall and past the attain of Raya into the web.

By some means… the factors are shared 😳⚖️#MUFC || #MUNARS

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 9, 2025

It was United’s first shot on course and a second of pure high quality, sending them into the break with an sudden lead.

Buoyed by their aim, Manchester United started the second half with extra intent. Garnacho proved a vigorous presence, often taking over his full-back and forcing Raya into motion.

The Argentine created a golden probability for Noussair Mazraoui, whose volley from a good angle was saved out by the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Arsenal, nevertheless, slowly regained their grip on the sport. They continued to push ahead, forcing the Gunners into speculative efforts from distance. Odegaard got here closest, rifling a robust strike that Onana acrobatically tipped over the bar.

The guests’ persistence lastly paid off within the 74th minute. Jurrien Timber, who had been a continuing risk down the precise, dribbled previous two defenders and reduce the ball again to the sting of the field. Rice met it first-time, hanging a sweetly hit shot that flew previous Onana and in off the put up. The aim was at least Arsenal deserved, and it arrange a tense closing interval.

The final quarter-hour noticed each groups push for a winner. Garnacho skimmed the crossbar with a robust strike, whereas Fernandes noticed a goal-bound effort dramatically clawed away by Raya in stoppage time. On the different finish, Martinelli examined Onana with a fierce shot on the close to put up, however the United keeper was equal to it.

In the long run, neither aspect might discover a second aim, and it was stalemate between two of soccer’s largest golf equipment.