Declan Rice played a crucial role at both ends of the pitch to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
United appeared set for a confidence-boosting victory after Bruno Fernandes’ contentious free-kick gave them the lead.
The United captain cleverly clipped the ball in after referee Anthony Taylor mistakenly placed the Arsenal wall 11.2 yards away.
The hosts had opportunities to extend their advantage, with David Raya producing outstanding stops to deny Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee from close range.
Arsenal, meanwhile, struggled to create clear-cut chances, giving the home crowd hope of seeing their side claim back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
However, Rice had other plans. He skillfully curled in Jurrien Timber’s cutback to equalize with 16 minutes left.
Shortly after, he made a crucial last-ditch challenge to deny substitute Rasmus Hojlund, who was clean through and poised to end his 20-game goal drought. Rice celebrated the tackle with almost as much passion as his goal.
The thrilling ending saw Gabriel make another vital intervention to thwart Hojlund before Gabriel Martinelli blazed a rebound over the bar, though the offside flag spared his blushes.
Raya then capped off the drama with a double save in the dying moments of a match initially dismissed as insignificant for both sides.
Ultimately, the result does little to improve either team’s league standing. Arsenal remain 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand, while United inch up to 14th.
The game, however, highlighted Arsenal’s glaring need for a reliable No. 9—despite their recent Champions League goal spree against PSV.
For United, it was a performance that could instill belief in Ruben Amorim’s squad ahead of their decisive Europa League last-16 second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Their fans, who voiced their frustrations over the club’s ownership throughout the match, may now approach that fixture with a renewed sense of optimism.
