Man Utd dent Arsenal's title hopes with late Matheus Cunha wonderstrike - 5 talking points

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Matheus Cunha's late wonder goal saw Manchester United beat title-chasing Arsenal and extend Michael Carrick's perfect start to life at Old Trafford.

Arsenal took the lead on the half-hour mark as Lisandro Martinez deflected Martin Odegaard 's strike into his own net. United found themselves level before the break as Bryan Mbeumo profited from a woeful Martin Zubimendi error.

The Red Devils then completed the turnaround with a stunning strike from Patrick Dorgu. It looked as though Arsenal would seal a point however, as Mikel Merino prodded home from yet another corner.

But United still had one more late show in them, with Cunha firing home from distance to secure a dramatic victory. Here are all of the talking points from the Emirates Stadium:

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It was a relatively quiet start at the Emirates, with both sides struggling to generate chances within the opening half an hour. That was until Lisandro Martinez put through his own net to give his side the lead.

It wasn't a goal that was generated with much beauty as the Red Devils struggled to deal with an overhit cross. Bukayo Saka then picked out Martin Odegaard, who lashed towards goal.

But his effort took a touch off of the heel of Martinez and eventually beat Lammens. It might not have been the most eye-catching goal but anything helps in the race for the title. Arteta then will be fuming his side could not hold on.

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After his strike last time out against Manchester City , Mbeumo needed to be on top form against Arsenal for United to stand any chance. And he was certainly tuned in at the Emirates as he picked off Martin Zubimendi's terrible backpass to round David Raya and equalise.

It was a notable strike for the Cameroonian for a number of reasons. It represented his eighth league goal of the season since his summer move from Brentford, while it was his 50th Premier League goal in all.

While Mbeumo has been one of United's standout performers this season, the same could certainly be said of Patrick Dorgu. After key goals against Newcastle and Man City over recent weeks, the defender was at it again at the Emirates.

Following a smart exchange with Fernandes, the left-back unleashed a brilliant effort that flew into the Arsenal net via the crossbar. There was a brief VAR check for a potential handball but the goal was eventually given.

Dorgu has certainly had his critics at Old Trafford since his arrival but he now finally appears to be matching up the expectations of a Manchester United player. It's a massive shame that he had to be withdrawn late on with injury.

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Arsenal were on the ropes heading into the final stages. And they needed a rescue act. It's a good job that they have the man capable of providing one.

Having acted as an emergency striker in the past, Mikel Merino was introduced and just about prodded over the line to seemingly seal a point.

But fellow substitute Matheus Cunha was not going to allow that to happen. The Brazilian picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and thundered a cracker past Raya to leave the Arsenal goalkeeper and the rest of the Emirates Stadium floored.

There was a fair amount of scepticism around when Carrick was appointed as Manchester United boss. After all, this was a man who had not long been sacked by Championship side Middlesbrough.

But something just appears to click whenever he takes his place in the United dugout. He has now gone five games unbeaten across his two spells, having gone unbeaten against Mikel Arteta , Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel.

The plan remains for Carrick step aside in the summer but he is making a brilliant argument to be given the job on a full-term basis. They now have swagger, determination and some real quality - and that is all down to their former midfielder.

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