Arsenal were handed a priceless early advantage after a rare moment of confusion between Manchester United’s defensive pillars ended with Lisandro Martínez diverting the ball into his own net. What should have been a routine defensive exchange instead became a turning point, instantly shifting momentum in Arsenal’s favor.
The incident stemmed from a hopeful Arsenal delivery into the box, one that initially appeared comfortably within United’s control. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez moved to claim, while Lisandro Martínez tracked back to shield the danger. A split-second of hesitation proved costly. With the keeper partially committed and the defender attempting to intervene, Lisandro’s touch wrong-footed his own goalkeeper and rolled agonizingly over the line.
The Emirates erupted, and so did Arsenal’s confidence. Sensing vulnerability, Mikel Arteta’s side pressed higher and sharper, using the psychological boost of the goal to dominate possession and territory. The Gunners’ midfield began to dictate the tempo, recycling the ball efficiently and forcing United deeper into their own half.
For Manchester United, the goal was a gut punch. Lisandro Martínez, usually so reliable and combative, cut a frustrated figure as teammates rallied around him. Emiliano Martínez, too, looked visibly annoyed, gesturing toward his defense as United struggled to immediately regain composure.
Arsenal, meanwhile, played with renewed belief. Their wide players pushed aggressively, full-backs overlapped with intent, and the home side looked determined to capitalize before United could steady themselves. Chances followed, driven by quick transitions and incisive movement that stretched a suddenly unsettled back line.
While own goals are often dismissed as cruel accidents, this one carried weight beyond the scoreboard. It disrupted United’s rhythm and handed Arsenal the initiative at a crucial stage of the match. Whether United could recover depended not just on tactics, but on mental resilience.
In matches of this magnitude, fine margins decide outcomes. On this occasion, a moment of miscommunication and mistimed intervention proved decisive, leaving Arsenal firmly on the front foot and Lisandro Martínez enduring a rare, painful blemish on an otherwise formidable reputation.
About the Author
