The Arsenal vs Manchester United game has so far stood out as one of the best matches of the 2025/26 football season, a contest that truly had everything – intensity, drama, and quality moments that could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal’s lead on the EPL table dropping down to four points.
It’s not just the victories that impress, but the resilience, fight, and sheer determination with which Manchester United have delivered these results. If rivals dismissed the win over Manchester City a week ago as a fluke, the triumph at the Emirates – their first there since December 2017 – felt unmistakably like a statement. With it has come a renewed belief among both players and supporters.
Back-to-back wins against strong opposition have lifted the mood, Old Trafford is alive again, and confidence is steadily returning. The much-talked-about Manchester United DNA – built on character, intensity, and refusing to be beaten – appears to have resurfaced. Since the arrival of interim manager Michael Carrick, United look reconnected to those values, playing with purpose, unity, and the conviction that they can compete with anyone once more.
The Arsenal vs Manchester United game served as a timely reminder to title chasers that being crowned kings of England is no small feat. Any club with genuine ambitions must be sharp in every department, constantly on the front foot, and never caught lacking. Arsenal, for all their quality and control, were only able to carve out chances from set-pieces, with Manchester United dealing with every other attacking threat from open play.
This article breaks down three key takeaways from a thrilling encounter at the Emirates.
From Upsets to Big Performances: Key Lessons From Arsenal vs Manchester United
1. Arsenal’s Charge To Break Chelsea’s 15-goal Record Comes To a Painful End
Manchester United, who became the first team to defeat Arsenal at the Emirates this season, were also the first side to score three goals against Mikel Arteta’s men. Those strikes ensured Chelsea’s long-standing record of conceding just 15 goals in a league season remained intact.
For much of the campaign, a minority of Chelsea supporters watched nervously, believing this Arsenal side had both the structure and attacking control to surpass that defensive benchmark. However, it was Dorgu’s stunning strike that put United 2-1 ahead, which finally eased those fears, halting Arsenal’s momentum and preserving Chelsea’s place in the record books.
2. Michael Carrick Could Be the Manager to Restore United’s Glory
Some might say “it’s just two wins,” but watching Manchester United play under Michael Carrick, there’s an unmistakable new swagger – something that was missing under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. The first 15 minutes of the Arsenal vs Manchester United clash were tense, yet United looked disciplined at the back, absorbing pressure and hitting them on rapid counters. The players looked sharper, more cohesive – truly coached – and much of the credit goes to Carrick.
But is this simply a classic “new manager bounce?” OR is something deeper taking shape? For now, Carrick has firmly endeared himself to the United faithful, going five games unbeaten out of five.
Right now, the club would be thinking of giving him a contract extension as the club’s head coach, but should they hesitate to extend, it’s unlikely he’ll struggle to find another challenge. With his tactical intelligence and technical acumen on full display, a host of top clubs would surely welcome him.
3. Bryan Mbeumo: Manchester United’s Big Game Player
When United announced the signing of Bryan Mbeumo, we all knew of his quality, especially after finishing the season with 20 goals for Brentford. And despite a slow start to his time at Old Trafford, he has picked up remarkably well.
One surprising element of the lineup was Bryan Mbeumo starting ahead of Benjamin Sesko. Many assumed the Slovenian, with his height advantage, would be better suited to handle Arsenal’s Saliba and Gabriel. Yet Mbeumo quickly proved his worth, matching up confidently against two of England’s toughest defenders. He capped off an impressive performance by converting his eighth league goal of the campaign following a mistake from Zubimendi.
It’s not just the goals he scores – it’s the teams he scores them against. This season, he’s forced a red card against Chelsea and found the net against Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, and now Arsenal, cementing his status as Manchester United’s true big-game player.
Beyond the goal, Mbeumo’s movement, link-up play, and ability to draw defenders created space for his teammates, proving he wasn’t just a stopgap choice but a genuine attacking threat.
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An Open Title Race
The Premier League title race just got a whole lot fiercer. While the top three in the EPL table remain unchanged, Gameweek 23 saw Manchester City emerge as the biggest winners, narrowing Arsenal’s lead to just four points.
Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t been at their best this season, with injuries to key defenders disrupting their backline. However, the recent signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi could bolster their defence at a crucial stage. Still, City will need more consistency in attack and midfield stability if they are to fully close the gap.
For Arsenal, Chelsea’s 15-goal record is no longer attainable, but the season is far from over. Mikel Arteta’s side still have a shot at the quadruple, leading both the Champions League and EPL tables. They also hold a slender one-goal advantage over Chelsea going into the second leg of the semi-final and remain strong contenders in the FA Cup.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 25.01.2026
