Arsenal’s 3–1 victory over Manchester United on 3 September 2023 was a Premier League encounter that had everything: early goals, VAR drama, high-quality debuts, and a breath-taking finish in stoppage time. What looked set to be a hard-fought draw was transformed into one of the season’s most memorable moments, as the Emirates Stadium erupted late on.

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Teams

Arsenal: Ramsdale, Zinchenko (Tomiyasu 76′), Gabriel, Saliba, White, Havertz (Viera 77′), Rice, Odegaard (Jorghino 90′), Martinelli (Nelson 90′), Nketiah (Jesus 76′), Saka

Subs: Raya, Smith Rowe, Kiwior, Trossard

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Martinez (Maguire 67′), Lindelof (Evans 84′), Wan-Bissaka, Eriksen, Casemiro, Rashford, Fernandes, Antony (Garnacho 84′), Martial (Hojlund 67′)

Subs: Bayindir, Reguilon, Gore, Mejbri, Pellistri

Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Arsenal snatched a dramatic 3–1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 3rd September 2023, in a Premier League classic that ebbed and flowed before exploding into life deep into stoppage time. After an intense opening, Marcus Rashford gave United the lead on 27 minutes, latching onto a precise pass from Christian Eriksen and finishing coolly past Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal responded well, dominating possession and territory, and were rewarded just before half-time when Martin Ødegaard pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire confidently into the bottom corner and restore parity.

The second half was played at a relentless tempo, with Arsenal pressing aggressively and United looking to strike on the counter. Chances came at both ends: Gabriel Martinelli was denied by André Onana, while Rasmus Højlund saw appeals for a penalty waved away after a coming together with Gabriel. The most dramatic moment of the half initially went United’s way when Alejandro Garnacho appeared to have scored a late winner, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. That decision proved pivotal, shifting momentum decisively back towards the home side.

Arsenal made their advantage count in extraordinary fashion during stoppage time. In the 96th minute, substitute Declan Rice sparked wild celebrations by drilling a low shot beyond Onana from the edge of the area to put the Gunners ahead. With United pushing forward desperately, they were caught out again moments later as Gabriel Jesus broke clear and rounded the goalkeeper to seal the win at 3–1. It was a statement victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, showcasing their resilience, depth, and belief, while leaving Erik ten Hag’s United to rue fine margins in a pulsating Premier League encounter.

Talking Points

One of the biggest talking points was the dramatic VAR intervention that denied Manchester United what they thought was a late winner. Alejandro Garnacho’s cool finish in the closing stages briefly stunned the Emirates, only for the offside flag to be raised after a tight VAR check. The decision, correct but agonisingly marginal, proved a huge swing moment in the match. Instead of United celebrating a famous away win, Arsenal were handed renewed belief, and the atmosphere inside the stadium shifted instantly, energising the home side for a remarkable finale.

Declan Rice’s decisive impact was another major storyline, underlining why Arsenal invested so heavily in the England midfielder. Making his first Premier League start for the club, Rice delivered a commanding all-round performance before crowning his afternoon with a stoppage-time winner. His powerful, low strike from the edge of the box not only settled a frantic contest but also symbolised Arsenal’s growing authority in big games. It was a defining moment that showcased leadership, composure, and an ability to rise when it mattered most.

There was also plenty of discussion around Manchester United’s missed opportunities and disciplinary issues at the back. Rasmus Højlund, on his debut, impressed with his physical presence and came close to winning a penalty after tangling with Gabriel, only for play to continue. United’s failure to manage the final minutes ultimately cost them, as they were punished twice on the break while chasing an equaliser. For Arsenal, it reinforced their evolution into a side capable of capitalising ruthlessly on late momentum, while United were left reflecting on how quickly control of the game slipped from their grasp.