DailySun
KAI HAVERTZ squandered two key chances and missed a penalty in the shoot-out, leading to Arsenal’s exit from the FA Cup.
The Gunners battled fiercely but were unable to score, even after extra time, against a Manchester United side that was down to 10 players.
The situation worsened in 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 an excellent 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 was a threat on the counter-attack.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Handled Hojlund effectively, despite the striker posing minimal danger.
GABRIEL – 6
Made a crucial mistake by losing possession to Alejandro Garnacho, which led to Bruno Fernandes’s goal.
Made up for it with a brilliant finish that would have earned Bukayo Saka’s applause.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 5
Had a quiet performance at left-back and needed to contribute more offensively, particularly after United was reduced to ten men and Garnacho switched to right-back.
JORGINHO – 5
Helped keep midfield stability and was a reliable option for his teammates.
MIKEL MERINO – 4
Had a largely unnoticed impact in midfield, making it difficult to highlight his contributions to the Arsenal team.
Missed a crucial opportunity to put his team ahead right after the equalizer and was substituted shortly thereafter.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
A joy to watch; he orchestrated play and regularly created chances with his superb ball control.
However, he missed a penalty that could have secured the match.
GABRIEL JESUS – 6
Provided a lovely pass that set up Martinelli for a goal, which was unfortunately deemed offside.
Sustained an injury while defending a cross in the first half and was stretchered off.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Was the primary attacking threat in the first half, with his direct play causing issues for the visitors.
Showed great movement and finished well, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
KAI HAVERTZ – 3
Won a penalty after expertly maneuvering past Maguire.
However, he wasted two simple chances, including one just three minutes from time that could have clinched the win, and his missed penalty proved decisive in the shoot-out.
SUBSTITUTES
Raheem Sterling (for Jesus, 40mins) – 6
Showed sharpness on the ball and played a key role in the build-up to Havertz’s penalty.
Declan Rice (for Merino, 73mins) – 6
Came close to scoring with what could have been his first touch, but his header was skillfully saved.
Missed a chance to secure the winner in the final moments, as his low shot was brilliantly stopped by Bayindir.
Leandro Trossard (for Lewis-Skelly, extra-time) – 5
Will likely regret his missed opportunity after Matthijs de Ligt made a vital goalline clearance.
Sent a shot over the bar from just outside the penalty area.
Thomas Partey (for Timber, 101mins) – 5
Delivered several respectable crosses and nearly scored with a deflected shot that just went over.
Kieran Tierney (for Jorginho, 113mins) –
Received a warm welcome when he entered the field but had little time to make an impact on the game.
