KAI HAVERTZ squandered two prime opportunities and missed a penalty in the shoot-out, leading to Arsenal’s exit from the FA Cup.
The Gunners fought valiantly but were unable to find the back of the net, even after extra time, against a Manchester United side that had been reduced to 10 players.
The situation worsened during the penalty shootout when Altay Bayindir saved Havertz’s attempt.
Here’s how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes assessed the performances of the Arsenal players…
DAVID RAYA – 6
Had no chance with United’s goal and made a brilliant save to deny Zirkzee during extra time.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Was effective with his overlapping runs and collaborated well with Odegaard.
Faced challenges from Alejandro Garnacho, who created threats on the counter-attack.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Handled Hojlund effectively, though the striker posed minimal threat.
GABRIEL – 6
Made a costly mistake by losing possession to Alejandro Garnacho, who assisted Bruno Fernandes for the goal.
Redeemed himself with a fine finish that Bukayo Saka would have applauded.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5
Had a muted performance at left-back; he needed to provide more in an attacking sense, especially after United went down to ten men and Garnacho moved to right-back.
JORGINHO – 5
Helped ensure stability in midfield and was a reliable option for his teammates.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Had a largely unremarkable presence in midfield. It’s hard to identify significant contributions to the Arsenal team.
Missed a crucial chance to put his team ahead right after the equalizer and was taken off shortly after.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
A pleasure to watch; he orchestrated the play and frequently created opportunities with his outstanding ball control.
However, he missed a penalty that could have secured the victory.
GABRIEL JESUS – 6
Delivered a lovely pass that set up Martinelli for a goal, which was ultimately ruled offside.
Picked up an injury while defending a cross in the first half and had to be stretchered off.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Was the primary attacking threat in the first half, as his direct style troubled the visitors.
Showed exceptional movement and finished well, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
KAI HAVERTZ – 3
Earned a penalty after skillfully maneuvering past Maguire.
However, he missed two straightforward chances, including one just three minutes from time that could have secured the win, and his failed penalty proved vital in the shootout.
SUBSTITUTES
Raheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6
Exhibited sharpness in possession and played a key role in the buildup to Havertz’s penalty.
Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6
Came close to scoring with what might have been his first touch, but his header was well saved.
Missed a chance to secure a winner in the dying moments, as his low shot was again brilliantly stopped by Bayindir.
Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5
Will certainly regret his missed opportunity after Matthijs de Ligt made a crucial goalline clearance.
Sent a shot over the bar from just outside the penalty area.
Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5
Provided several decent crosses and nearly scored with a deflected shot that sailed just over.
Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) –
Received a warm welcome upon entering the field but had little time to influence the match.
