FA Cup: Zirkzee’s penalty seals victory for 10-Man Man United side over Arsenal

Joshua Zirkzee held his nerve to score the decisive penalty as 10-man Manchester United triumphed over Arsenal in a thrilling FA Cup encounter, securing a spot in the fourth round.  

United faced a challenging task after Diogo Dalot was sent off in the 61st minute for a second yellow card following a mistimed tackle on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino. Despite the setback, United’s resilience shone through.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for United in the 52nd minute with a spectacular curling finish after Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a slip by Gabriel to deliver a precise cross.

However, Arsenal equalized two minutes after Dalot’s dismissal, with centre-back Gabriel volleying home from close range.

With the match tied 1-1 after normal time, the game was decided in a penalty shootout, where Zirkzee’s cool finish secured a memorable victory for the 10-man visitors.

The Gunners then had a massive chance to take the lead when Kai Havertz was adjudged to have been brought down by Harry Maguire in the box and referee Andrew Madley awarded a penalty.

There was a delay in the spot-kick being taken after a melee in the box in which Maguire, Havertz and Gabriel were all booked.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard then stepped up but Altay Bayindir dived to his left to push away the ball and keep the scores level.

Mikel Arteta’s side had big chances through Declan Rice and Havertz again to win the game but could not beat the impressive Bayindir.

United were made to defend throughout extra time as Arsenal looked for ways to take the lead with their numerical advantage.

But Arteta’s side could not find a way through and Havertz had his penalty saved by Bayindir before Zirkzee sent David Raya the wrong way to win the shootout.

The result means Arsenal have exited the FA Cup in the third round for the third time in four seasons.