Arsenal’s title hopes all but over after frustrating Old Trafford draw | OneFootball

Arsenal needed a statement win at Manchester United today but left with another frustrating draw and their Premier League title hopes in tatters.

The Gunners are 15 points behind the leaders, and their struggles against deep-lying defences continue to cost them. The Champions League now looks like their best shot at silverware.

United played with little ambition beyond containment. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted it was not his preferred approach, but it has been the only way to grind out results.

Arsenal dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and played most of the game in United’s half. But when it came to the final pass or the decisive moment, they faltered.

Declan Rice’s equaliser was a rare moment of quality. His curling finish was everything Arsenal had been lacking – precision, intent and decisiveness in the final third. But by then, the damage had been done.

Bruno Fernandes had already punished Arsenal’s defensive lapse, scoring from a free-kick that raised questions about David Raya’s positioning.

Raya redeemed himself late on with a scrambling save to deny Fernandes a winner. Arsenal had chances – Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli tested Andre Onana – but they were not clinical.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated. “We lacked a little bit in the last 15 to 20 metres,” he said. “The game is clearly for us, but we didn’t show enough purpose and direction.”

The low block is becoming Arsenal’s kryptonite. Amorim admitted he had no choice but to sit deep, but Arsenal’s inability to break down defensive walls is a significant problem.

The title race is effectively over, but the season is not. Arsenal are still in the Champions League, which is now the priority.