LONDON: Someone’s FA Cup pride had to fall in north London. Eventually, after extra time and penalties, holders Manchester United progress to the fourth round but Arsenal will not extend their record of 14 triumphs.

United won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 extra-time draw which saw Arsenal miss not one but two penalties: Martin Odegaard in normal time and Kai Havertz in the shootout were both denied by Turkish keeper Altay Bayindir.

United’s victory rewarded their improving strength of spirit under Ruben Amorim after playing for an hour with 10 men after the expulsion of Diogo Dalot for two yellow cards. This was long-delayed revenge for their defeat on penalties by the Gunners in the 2005 final.

Arsenal must now pick themselves up on an awkward return to Premier League action at home to Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday. They will hope for a Liverpool slip at Nottingham Forest 24 hours earlier.

The Gunners have carried the mantle of title challengers for the past two years and impatience is growing. Mikel Arteta’s five-year reign as manager has brought only one trophy and that was the FA Cup in his first part-season after the sacking of Unai Emery.

Arteta’s judgment is starting to come into question, particularly after his bizarre midweek complaint that the use of a different ball compared with the Premier League played a role in defeat by Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

Injuries would be a more reasonable excuse and Arsenal are accruing these at a troubling rate. Gabriel Jesus is the latest casualty. He had to be carried off after a first-half tangle with Bruno Fernandes. United’s captain was shown a yellow card for his angry reaction at not being awarded a free kick. He was smiling again after shooting United ahead early.

Arsenal failed to land a shot on target in the first half and Kai Havertz wasted an early opportunity of an equaliser. United were then reduced to 10 men after a second yellow card for Dalot. Arsenal took advantage. Gabriel equalised before Martin Odegaard saw a penalty was saved by Altay Bayındır after Havertz had been tripped by Harry Maguire.

United manager Rubin Amorim reinforced his defence with substitutes for the closing stages.
PENALTIES (United first):

Bruno Fernandes 1-0; Odegaard 1-1

Amad 2-1; Havertz saved 2-1 (keeper diving left)

Yoro 3-1; Rice 3-2

Martinez 4-2; Partey 4-3

Zirkzee 5-3

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