Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice equalized in the second half to cancel out Bruno Fernandes’s free kick, but Mikel Arteta’s side could only manage a 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, dealing a significant blow to their Premier League title hopes.
Arsenal, in second place with 55 points, trail leaders Liverpool by 15 points, though they have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 14th with 34 points.
The first half was far from thrilling, with Arsenal dominating possession but failing to create many chances. United’s Fernandes broke the deadlock just before halftime with a brilliant free kick that sailed over the wall and past goalkeeper David Raya’s outstretched arms. This was the first time United had led at halftime in a Premier League match since December 1.
The second half was much more exciting, with near misses from both teams. Rice leveled the score in the 74th minute, blasting a shot past United keeper Andre Onana after receiving a pass from Jurrien Timber.
Rice celebrated by shushing the United fans in the Stretford End.
United defender Noussair Mazraoui was left frustrated after Raya denied him with a leg save early in the second half. Martin Ødegaard also had a great opportunity for Arsenal, but Onana pushed his shot over the bar.
While Raya could be questioned for allowing Fernandes’s free kick to slip in, he saved the day in the final moments with an incredible double save. He partially saved a shot from Fernandes, then scrambled to clear the ball off the line as it threatened to roll in.
The match ended level, with both teams registering six shots on target.
United had previously lost their last four Premier League encounters with Arsenal, their longest losing streak against the Gunners in the competition’s history.
