Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions took another blow after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Mikel Arteta’s side once again failed to secure the three points they desperately needed.
With just ten games left in the season, Liverpool now hold a commanding 15-point lead, leaving Arsenal’s hopes of ending their title drought hanging by a thread.
Many fans are now questioning whether Arsenal still have a realistic chance of lifting the trophy. With just 28 games played, the Gunners still have a game in hand over league leaders Liverpool, but even a perfect finish may not be enough to close the gap. Arne Slot’s Liverpool side need only 16 more points from their final nine matches to be crowned champions, meaning Arsenal’s margin for error is practically non-existent.
Speaking after the match, Arteta refused to concede defeat in the title race. “I don’t want to say that,” he said when asked whether Arsenal’s title dreams were over. “The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency, and you’re obligated to win every single match. You won’t have any chance without doing that.”
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Another Costly Missed Opportunity
Arsenal fans were left frustrated after their team once again struggled with finishing in the final third. Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz all had golden opportunities but failed to convert. While Arsenal dominated possession and pinned United back for large periods, they lacked the cutting edge needed to secure the win.
Arteta admitted that his side’s inefficiency in front of goal cost them. “Today, the efficiency we had in the last 20 meters wasn’t good enough. We know that. To come to Old Trafford and do what we did was superb, but you have to capitalise,” he said.
Honours even in the north west.
All the key moments from this afternoon’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United pic.twitter.com/pvchJkcTnp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 9, 2025
Bruno Fernandes’ Clever Free-Kick Raises Eyebrows
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring just before halftime with a well-taken free-kick. However, controversy arose after it was revealed that referee Anthony Taylor placed Arsenal’s defensive wall 11.2 yards away from the ball, instead of the regulation 10 yards. This extra space gave Fernandes the perfect angle to lift his shot over the wall and into the back of the net.
“They just mentioned that,” Arteta said when asked about the incident. “If Bruno is on that, football is for smart street players, and if he’s done that and capitalised on that, he was more clever than us and the referee.”
Declan Rice Saves Arsenal from Defeat
Despite going behind, Arsenal fought back in the second half, with Declan Rice stepping up once again to rescue a point. The England international found the equaliser in the 74th minute, smashing home a loose ball in the box. While the goal gave Arsenal hope, it wasn’t enough to spark a full comeback.
Rice has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season, and his leadership in midfield continues to be invaluable. However, even his heroics weren’t enough to secure the much-needed victory.
Manchester United’s Fight for a Top-Four Spot
For Manchester United, the draw provides a small boost in their fight for a Champions League place. The Red Devils now sit on 34 points with 10 games to go, keeping them within reach of the top four. Manager Rúben Amorim praised Fernandes’ leadership, calling for more players to show the same commitment and character.
“What I can say is we need more Brunos, that is clear,” Amorim said. “Not just the quality and the character, he makes some mistakes, but in this league, the availability is so important, and he is so decisive with and without the ball.”
Arsenal’s Struggles in Big Games Continue
This draw adds to a growing list of missed opportunities against top sides for Arsenal this season. They recently dropped points against Manchester City and Chelsea, making it three winless games in a row. If they want to keep their slim title hopes alive, they need a perfect run-in to the end of the season.
Arsenal now turn their focus to their next fixture, where only a win will do. Arteta will need to find a way to boost his squad’s confidence and sharpen their attacking instincts. With the likes of Saka, Martinelli, and Havertz struggling to convert chances, the pressure is mounting on Arsenal’s frontline.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s dominance at the top means the Gunners must rely on an unlikely collapse from the Merseyside club. But with just a handful of games left, time is quickly running out.
