Arsenal 1 (3) - Manchester United 1 (5): 5 Talking Points as Gunners exit FA Cup at the hands of 10-man Red Devils | FA Cup Third Round

Arsenal's inability to break a resolute Manchester United defense saw them eventually lose on penalties in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, January 12. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and United secured a 5-3 win in the shootout.

Neither side seized the affair in a timid first half. The hosts were dominant on the ball, enjoying 60% possession but were unable to muster a single effort on target.

Manchester United breathed life into the game as they broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. A sweeping counter-attack saw Alejandro Garnacho find Bruno Fernandes and the Red Devils captain's brilliant first-time effort flew past David Raya.

The game took an interesting turn as Diogo Dalot received his marching orders eight minutes after the goal. The full-back dived into a needless tackle, having already collected a warning, reducing his side to 10 men.

Arsenal capitalised almost immediately, levelling the scores just three minutes later. A ball into the box was not dealt with properly and it fell to Gabriel, whose effort took a deflection and found the back of the net.

The Gunners received a golden opportunity to complete their comeback, earning a penalty after Kai Havertz was brought down by Harry Maguire. However, Martin Odegaard saw his spot-kick saved by Altay Bayindir, keeping the score level.

Arteta's men pushed throughout the remainder of regulation as well as 30 minutes of extra time, but were unable to find a way past Manchester United. The game eventually went to the shootout where Havertz's miss proved costly. All five of the visitors' takers converted their efforts to send them to the next round. Here are the talking points:

Arsenal vs Manchester United Talking Points

#5. Altay Bayindir comes up with a massive performance

Bayindir received a lot of criticism for his previous outing for Manchester United in the side's Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur. The Turkish shot-stopper had a game to forget last time out, but put in a sensational performance on Sunday. Two penalties saved, one in normal time and one in the shootout, combined with six stops and a solid command of his box, made him an instrumental presence in the side's win.

#4. Arsenal's attack misfires but does it point to a key need?

With a huge chance to take home the win after Diogo Dalot's sending-off, the hosts' difficulties in scoring goals from open play reared again as they were unable to get past United's low block. Their progress forward was characterized by a large number of crosses into the box that failed to reach their target, indicating that Arteta's side need a more prolific striker to lead their line.

#3. A forgettable game for Kai Havertz

The German forward has had an up-and-down campaign for Arsenal this season. While he has collected 12 goals across all competitions, he has at times showed a lack of accurate finishing. Against United, he spurned two golden chances from inside the six-yard box. To make matters worse, his missed penalty in the shootout proved to be the Gunners' downfall.

#2. Defensive statement made as Amorim's Manchester United continues to impress against big teams

A splendid defensive performance highlighted what has been a solid start to Amorim's career at Manchester United against big teams. While they have struggled against sides that sit back, they have collected wins over Manchester City and Arsenal now, while also holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw last week.

#1. Another cup exit for Arteta raises questions

Arsenal fans might be beginning to wonder if Mikel Arteta is the right man to lead them, with the Spaniard now suffering yet another cup exit this season. They are already out of the Carabao Cup and now only have the Premier League and Champions League to focus on. With just one FA Cup and two Community Shield wins in the last five years despite significant investment, it remains to be seen if the Gunners will pursue other options despite the massive progress under Arteta.