Declan Rice’s powerful strike earned Arsenal a point at Manchester United but did little to help their chase of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal were the better team in the first half at Old Trafford, but they lacked the finishing touch and were punished in first-half stoppage time. United captain Bruno Fernandes curled a free-kick from 25 yards past a poorly positioned David Raya in goal.
Raya made up for his mistake in the second half with key saves from Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal finally found their equaliser 16 minutes from time. United failed to clear the ball, and Rice fired a superb shot past Andre Onana to level the score.
However, the draw did little to close the gap to Liverpool, who are 15 points ahead of Arsenal, having played one game more.
Arsenal were lucky not to lose, as Raya had to make a remarkable double save in the final moments to keep out Fernandes and prevent United from taking all three points.
While Manchester United have struggled, Fernandes has been a consistent bright spot. The Portuguese midfielder gave United the lead with his free-kick just before half-time and almost won the game late on. He was in the penalty area for a chance that was blocked by Raya, who managed to get back and stop the ball from crossing the line.
Fernandes is United’s top scorer in the Premier League with seven goals and also leads the combined goals and assists chart with 14.
Despite United’s poor first half, coach Ruben Amorim will be encouraged by their improved second-half performance. Raya made several key saves to keep Arsenal in the game, denying Mazraoui and Zirkzee as United pushed for a win.
The draw moved United up to 14th place in the Premier League, a sign of their current struggles.
Arsenal were disappointing in attack, failing to take advantage of their dominant first half.
