Rice Rescues Arsenal After Bruno’s Stunning Free-Kick At Old Trafford

Rice salvaged a point for Arsenal with a crucial equalizer in their thrilling 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes had earlier put the hosts ahead with a superb free-kick, but Arsenal responded with determination to secure a share of the spoils.

Bruno’s excellence takes United in front

The home team has played well against tough opponents. Manchester United play a counter-attacking style of football. They allowed Arsenal to keep 67% possession in the first half. It was looking like a goalless half until the injury time. Leandro Trossard gave away a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box. Bruno Fernandes took advantage of the situation and scored a superb free-kick past Raya to give his side the lead.

Rice’s equaliser shares the points

Arsenal were knocking on Manchester United’s door but they were not creating clear-cut chances. Arteta made a couple of changes and that worked in his favour. Jurrien Timber came off the bench. He took on United’s defenders and delivered a good pass to Declan Rice. The defensive midfielder smashed the ball past Onana. His placement was so perfect that United players were unable to guide the ball out of the goal. This was Arsenal’s best chance in the game.

Hero of the day: David Raya

Manchester United could have scored at least three goals in the match but were denied by the excellent David Raya. The Red Devils just managed a single shot on target in the first half. That shot went into the back of the goal.

The Spaniard showed why Mikel Arteta brought him to the club. In the second half, Manchester United created better chances. A quick counter saw the home players in a goal-scoring situation. A cross from the left found Mazraoui on the far corner. The Moroccan made a superb run and stretched for the shot. Raya’s trailing leg made the save and denied Man United from doubling their lead.

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Then came another chance and this time Joshua Zirkzee was denied. The Dutchman got at the end of a cross. He adjusted his feet to attempt a back heel. Raya quickly reacted to deny the attacker. Later in the match, Raya denied Bruno Fernandes from scoring the winner. Man United’s captain arrived late in the box and attempted a first time shot. Raya saved the first shot and then stopped the rebound from his body. His five saves in the match proved crucial than any other moment.

More points dropped by Arsenal

This was a crucial game for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s team trailed Liverpool by 16 points but had a couple of games in hand. They were winless in the last two league games. This match ending in a draw has given Liverpool a breathing space. Arsenal only collected two points in the last three league games. This was a match against a struggling Man United side but Arsenal were unable to breach their defence more than once. With just nine matches remaining, the Reds can lift the title before the last game week.