In the Premier League match on March 9, 2025, at Old Trafford, Arsenal and Manchester United played to a 1-1 draw. The contrasting performances in each half were pivotal in shaping the match’s outcome.
First Half: Arsenal’s Dominance
- Possession and Control: Arsenal dominated possession, holding 67.4% of the ball. They applied consistent pressure, with Mikel Merino having an early chance in the 10th minute. theanalyst.com
- Limited United Threats: Manchester United struggled to create opportunities, managing only two shots in the first half. theanalyst.com
- Decisive Moment: Against the run of play, Bruno Fernandes scored a free-kick in first-half stoppage time, giving United a 1-0 lead. theanalyst.com
Second Half: United’s Resilience and Arsenal’s Response
- Increased United Pressure: United began the second half with more intent, creating chances, including Noussair Mazraoui’s opportunity in the 54th minute. theanalyst.com
- Arsenal’s Equalizer: Declan Rice leveled the score in the 74th minute with a precise shot, set up by Jurriën Timber. theanalyst.com
- Late Drama: Both teams had chances to win, with David Raya making crucial saves for Arsenal, notably denying Fernandes in stoppage time. theanalyst.com
Statistical Overview:
| Statistic | Manchester United | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 10 | 17 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 6 |
| Possession (%) | 31 | 69 |
| Passes | 271 | 585 |
| Corners | 2 | 9 |