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Redemption for United's Zirkzee as criticism grows over Arteta's misfiring Gunners
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out with team-mate Leny Yoro (top) during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the Emirates Stadium, London, January 12, 2025

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
(United win 5-4 on penalties)
by Layth Yousif 
at the Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL’S erstwhile striker Kai Havertz missed his spot-kick to leave Manchester United penalty shootout victors on a dramatic afternoon in north London.

This mesmerising FA Cup third-round clash had it all, as the thrilling tie of the round lived up to its billing — with glory, failure, heroes and villains, redemption, explosive talent, superb technique, power, passion, goals, penalty saves, and a red card all on show, as this blockbuster thrillingly unfolded in freezing temperatures.

While the glory was for the victors of United, redemption came in the form of their misfiring forward Joshua Zirkzee, who scored the winning penalty on Sunday — after being utterly humiliated when substituted after only 33 minutes as Newcastle eased to victory against Ruben Amorim’s disjointed side at Old Trafford a mere two weeks ago.

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