Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has made the bold claim that Arsenal are currently the 'best team in the world' following his side's dramatic 3-2 victory over the Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Thrilling Encounter Sees United Stun Title Favourites
The match proved to be a classic Premier League encounter, with Arsenal initially taking the lead through a Lisandro Martinez own goal before Bryan Mbeumo equalised for United just before half-time. The second half saw both teams trade spectacular strikes, with Patrick Dorgu putting United ahead with a stunning effort, only for Mikel Merino to bundle home an 84th-minute equaliser for the Gunners.
Just when momentum appeared to be swinging decisively in Arsenal's favour, Cunha produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling home a magnificent winner to secure all three points for Michael Carrick's resurgent side.
Cunha's Post-Match Praise for Arsenal
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Cunha was effusive in his praise for the opposition, despite having just helped secure a crucial victory against them. 'I think we showed character and power in the group,' said the Brazilian forward. 'We know what to expect coming here - I think it's the best team in the world today, honestly.'
Cunha elaborated on the challenge of facing Mikel Arteta's well-drilled side: 'They play with Mikel [Arteta] so long, they know every single tactic, every single thing that he feels. So we know how hard it would be to come here, but we are United and everything we do is to win games.'
Carrick's Impact on United's Revival
The victory represents United's second impressive win under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, following their triumph over Manchester City in his first game in charge. Cunha highlighted the former United midfielder's influence on the squad since taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim.
'He knows the feeling, he played here so many years,' Cunha explained. 'He knows the feeling for Manchester, he knows the feeling for United. He knows how the fans want to feel. He tried to show us every single moment, he tried to talk to us to understand in moments and say 'everyone is against us', so I think we feel more together.'
League Implications and Manager's Reaction
The weekend's results have significant implications for the Premier League title race, with Arsenal's lead at the summit now reduced to just four points. Meanwhile, Manchester United have climbed into the Champions League places, moving above both Liverpool and Chelsea in the standings.
Carrick expressed his pride in his players after the match, acknowledging the challenge of facing such formidable opposition. 'It was a good day. I think we had to put a lot into that game, an awful lot,' said the United caretaker manager. 'Credit to the boys, so proud of them. We had to sustain some attacks, especially earlier on, and we grew into the game.'
The former England international highlighted his team's resilience: 'We had a setback, came back strong, had a setback towards the end, came back strong. So many elements to the game that were good. We're so fresh whether it's 10 days in, two games - it's never going to be perfect at this stage, especially coming against a team like Arsenal, but there were so many positives to take.'
Carrick concluded by praising his players' commitment: 'The boys have been fantastic in terms of taking things on, wanting to do it and investing into it. You can see what it means to them at the end. I'm really proud of them today - it's obvious to say but it's a tough place to come. Especially with the way the game flowed, we stuck at it and it's a fantastic feeling at the end.'
