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Manchester United fans in several Nairobi estates celebrated long into the night after a pulsating 3–2 victory over Arsenal, a result that reshaped the mood of the title race and briefly turned city streets into a carnival.

In Eastleigh, supporters poured onto the streets for more than 30 minutes after full time, riding motorbikes, blowing vuvuzelas and chanting club songs.

Some called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to confirm Michael Carrick, convinced the team has finally found its footing.

How the game unfolded

Arsenal controlled the early stages and took the lead in the 18th minute after sustained pressure resulted in an own goal by Lisandro Martínez.

United responded with composure. In the 34th minute, Bryan Mbeumo levelled matters, finishing off a swift counter-attack after Arsenal were caught high up the pitch.

The sides went into the break tied at 1–1.
The visitors struck first after the restart. Patrick Dorgu made it 2–1 in the 57th minute, rifling home from the edge of the box after a loose clearance.

Arsenal pushed back and drew level in the 74th minute when Mikel Merino headed in, shifting momentum and lifting the home crowd.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute. Matheus Cunha picked up the ball outside the area and unleashed a precise, powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance — the killer blow that sealed the contest.

Chances missed

Arsenal will rue missed opportunities. A clear one-on-one midway through the second half went wide, while a late effort struck the post as United defended deep.

United, meanwhile, showed discipline and game management to protect their lead, slowing the tempo and frustrating Arsenal in the closing minutes.

What the managers said

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick praised his side’s mentality and composure under pressure.

“We showed character tonight. We went behind twice and kept believing,” Carrick said.

“The players stayed calm, stuck to the plan and took responsibility in big moments.”

Carrick said the late winner reflected growing confidence within the squad.

“Matheus showed real quality. That’s the difference in tight games — someone stepping up when it matters.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted disappointment but pointed to fine margins.

“We had the chances to win the game and we didn’t take them,” Arteta said.

“At this level, if you switch off for moments, you get punished.”

Arteta insisted the title race was far from over.

“We are still in a strong position. The response now is what matters.”

The table picture

Despite the defeat, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table, four points clear, preserving their advantage at the summit.

United’s victory closed the gap behind the leaders and improved their goal difference, sparking renewed belief among supporters.

While dreams of overturning a sizeable points gap and goal margin remain ambitious, momentum is building.

In Eastleigh and beyond, calculations were ignored.

For Manchester United fans, this was about belief, noise and a statement victory — and the verdict, for them, is already out.