Man United title bid look in shambles while Arsenal were able to keep theirs alive by salvaging a late draw at Old Trafford in the lunchtime kick off. United betting odds of winning the title has increased drastically as it now seems an insurmountable task for them to clinch the title.
Olivier Giroud struck late into the game to deny Man United all three points at Old Trafford much to the disappointment of Jose Mourinho and the United faithfuls. Juan Mata had put United ahead in the 68th minute, but Giroud’s goal helped to preserve the Gunners unbeaten run extending to 17 matches.
United controlled the game and had five shots on target compared to Arsenal’s one with which they scored from. Mourinho cut a frustrating figure after the match as he was left to rue the missed chances as well as the penalty appeal that was waved down when Nacho Monreal bundled off Antonio Valencia in the penalty box.
Arsene Wenger looked contented with the result after all he is aware that his side played below expectations and his wait for his first win since 2006 at the Old Trafford continued.
Here are five things we learned from the match at Old Trafford.
Wenger got his substitutes right
The Gunners boss introduced Alex Oxlade-chmaberlain and Olivier Giroud in an attempt to preserve their unbeaten run and also get something from the game. It paid eventually as the pair combined for their 89th- minute goal when Giroud scored from Oxlade-chamberlain’s cross.
Petr Cech Denies His Former Boss
Mourinho transformed the Czech national to a world class stopper during their time at Chelsea and he got paid for it in return as the Gunners’ keeper denied him of extending his victories over Arsene Wenger. The former Chelsea shot-stopper made crucial saves in the first half to deny Juam Mata once and Anthony Martial twice to keep Arsenal in the game before Mata got the better side of him to put United ahead.
No Touchline Bust Ups
Both Wenger and Mourinho remained as civic as they can throughout the match. Their rivalry is one of most talked about in the Premier League and it got worse in 2014 when the two were involved in a touchline confrontation during a natch when Mourinho was at Chelsea. The two conducted themselves as there were no bust ups and conflicts this time around.
Michael Carrick Thrives Again
The English midfielder was handed his second Premier League start of the season and his performance yet again vindicated the decision. Like in the Swansea match, the veteran midfielder was so effective in defence, allowing others to play in a more advanced role.
Support for Wayne Rooney
The United faithfuls threw their support behind skipper Wayne Rooney when he was introduced in the 63rd minute of the game. The English attacker has had a bad week after news of him getting drunk drew the wrath of the FA but the fans got behind their idol.
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has confirmed that Emily Fox is likely to miss Wednesday’s League Cup semi final clash with Manchester United after the defender suffered a head injury in the FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
The United States international came off in the 22nd minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory and was replaced by January signing Smilla Holmberg.
Fox has been an ever present figure in the Arsenal team this season, featuring in all 12 of their WSL clashes. Her absence for such a crucial semi final represents a significant blow to the Gunners, though Slegers will be hopeful that Fox can return for Arsenal’s vital WSL clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Slegers Taking Cautious Approach
The Arsenal manager explained the club’s careful handling of Fox’s injury. “We assessed her yesterday and today, and we just want to make really good decisions with Foxy. It’s looking likely she won’t be in the squad tomorrow, and then we will assess her again tomorrow and the day after. That’s where we’re at now with Foxy.”
This is the right approach from Slegers, who cannot afford to rush Fox back and risk a more serious injury. Head injuries must be treated with extreme caution, and Arsenal are sensibly prioritizing the player’s long term health over short term results.
Holmberg Could Start Against United
Fox’s absence will likely present a chance for new signing Holmberg to start against the Red Devils. The Swedish defender impressed after coming on against Villa and will be eager to prove herself in such a high profile fixture.
Slegers also confirmed that goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar will be in the squad after missing matches since November 19, while Leah Williamson remains unavailable.
Arsenal face a hectic schedule with the League Cup, Chelsea in the WSL, and the Women’s Champions Cup all upcoming.
Also read: Renee Slegers Signs New Arsenal Contract Until 2029 After Champions League Glory
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Star Katie McCabe Attracting NWSL Interest as Contract Expires This Summer With High Impact Player Rule Making Move Financially Viable
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is being closely monitored by National Women’s Soccer League clubs ahead of a pivotal summer for Arsenal. Several NWSL sides have shown ongoing interest for the past 18 months, fully aware that McCabe’s Arsenal deal expires at the end of the season.
The situation places McCabe at an important crossroads in her career. Having tasted Champions League triumph last summer, she wants to compete at the top level and that ambition will inevitably shape any decision she makes. Arsenal face losing one of their most recognizable figures unless they act quickly.
Ten Arsenal Stars Out of Contract
McCabe is not the only high profile name at Arsenal approaching the end of her current deal. The club has a staggering number of senior players out of contract this summer including Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, Laia Codina, Steph Catley, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger.
This list is frankly ridiculous for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Several of these players form the core of the team and have played key roles in recent domestic and European success. Decisions made by the club and by the players themselves will shape the direction of the squad moving forward, and Arsenal cannot afford to lose multiple stars simultaneously.
High Impact Player Rule Changes Game
The introduction of the NWSL High Impact Player rule in July is already influencing how clubs view potential signings from Europe. The rule allows NWSL clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap by up to $1 million for high impact players, making moves for European stars like McCabe financially viable.
For now, McCabe remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Arsenal. Whether her future lies in north London or across the Atlantic will be one of the biggest stories to watch as summer approaches.
Also read: What Is The NWSL High Impact Player Rule and Who Could Be The First To Benefit From It?
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
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