Man United earn penalty shootout win over Arsenal as Gunners exit FA Cup at fourth round

Man United earn penalty shootout win over Arsenal as Gunners exit FA Cup at fourth round

Holders, Man United has progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup tonight in London, earning a hard-fought 5-3 penalty shootout win over the competition’s most prolific winners, Arsenal — in a huge battle between the fierce rivals.

Taking a second half lead against the run of play, United bombed down the right wing through Argentine wideman, Alejandro Garnacho, who fired in a pass to Bruno Fernandes to convert a whipped effort past keeper, David Raya.

Man United betting favorites for fifth round clash with Leicester City

And entering tonight’s tie with Arsenal as significant betting underdogs on a host of online sports betting sites, United were pegged back to a draw result just minutes later — following a dismal spell spent in their own half.

Reduced to ten men as full-back Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second bookable offense, Man United were then pegged back, with goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir only punching as far as Gabriel, whose deflected half-volley found its way into the bottom corner.

And just moments later, following another controversial call from official, Andy Madley, Arsenal were awarded a penalty with Kai Havertz requiring very little encouragement to go down following pressure from Harry Maguire.

Seeing his well-placed effort saved by Bayindir, Norway midfielder, Martin Odegaard squandered his side’s chance to take a 2-1 lead on the night.

Forced to extra time, Arsenal missed guilt edge chance after another, with Havertz miscuing golden opportunities to put his side ahead.

Cutting through United once more, Dutch center half, Matthijs de Ligt was forced into a massive block to prevent substitute, Leandro Trossard from converting just two yards out.

Spending thirty minutes battling back-and-forth over the course of extra time, Man United forced Arsenal to a penalty shootout — in front of their own travelling fans and awarded first kicking advantages.

Converting with ease from the sport, Fernandes, then Amad Diallo, as well as Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and under pressure forward, Joshua Zirkzee sent Man United through to the fifth round — with Bayindir once more making a stunning save to deny Havertz from the spot.

Drawn at home for the fifth round of the FA Cup, United will be reunited with former goalscoring hero, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, with the Dutchman set to field his Leicester City side at Old Trafford for a massive visit to his former stomping ground.

Returning to action for three home games at Old Trafford next, Man United make their domestic league return at home to Southampton, whom they defeated at St. Mary’s earlier this season, before games against the duo of Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as Scottish side, Rangers, who make the trip south for their pivotal UEFA Europa League clash before the end of the month.

With tonight’s win over Arsenal — after ninety minutes of course, United brought an end to a winless run, following a splendid performance against Liverpool last weekend, with the above-mentioned, Martinez and Amad converting to rescue a point at the hostile Anfield.

Progressing to the fifth round overnight, Leicester City turned in a dominant 6-2 win over former Premier League side, QPR at home at the King Power Stadium.

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