By Victor Kanayo
Manchester United, despite being reduced to 10 men, defeated Arsenal 5-3 on penalties in a thrilling fifth-round FA Cup clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, blasting Alejandro Garnacho’s pass into the top-right corner.
However, United were dealt a blow in the 61st minute when Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card, leaving the team one man short.
Arsenal quickly capitalised, with Gabriel equalizing just two minutes later. Martin Odegaard had a chance to put the Gunners ahead, but his penalty was expertly saved by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Despite Arsenal’s relentless attacks, United held firm, forcing the match into extra time and eventually to spot kicks.
Bayindir was the hero in the shootout, saving Kai Havertz’s effort to seal the victory. United were flawless from the spot.
