‘These are the games we dream to play in’ - Cunha delighted as winner against Arsenal blows EPL title race wide open

MANCHESTER, England:

Matheus Cunha blew the English Premier League title race wide open with a stunning winner as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday.

The Brazil international curled a long-range shot past goalkeeper David Raya in the 87th minute to decide a thrilling game at the Emirates Stadium that leaves Arsenal just four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the standings.

Cunha said it was "100%" his best moment since joining United last summer.

"These are the kind of games we dream to play in," he told Sky Sports. "The games that we watch on television and we want to be part of."

United are up to fourth after back-to-back wins under head coach Michael Carrick, who is increasingly strengthening his case to be given the job on a long-term basis, having beaten City in his previous game in charge.

BEATEN TOP TWO

Two games in, Carrick has beaten the top two in England's top flight.

"He's been brilliant with us. He's brought a fresh energy and the group has really galvanised," said United defender Harry Maguire. "Two tough games and everyone probably thinks we are going to come away with not many points. But to win both is magnificent."

For Arsenal it's three games without a win in the league to give hope to their title rivals. This was their first home loss this season and came despite taking the lead in the 29th through Lisandro Martinez's own-goal when trying to block Martin Odegaard's shot.

If that was a gift, so was United's equaliser in the 37th. Martin Zubimendi's loose pass played Bryan Mbeumo through on goal and the Cameroon forward rounded Raya to fire into the empty net. It was his second goal in as many games since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, having also scored against City last week.

Patrick Dorgu was also on the scoresheet against City and he crashed in a spectacular long-ranger off the underside of the bar five minutes into the second half to put United in front.

Mikel Merino looked to have salvaged at least a draw for Arsenal when he bundled in an equaliser in the 84th, until Cunha's outrageous winner.

"The performance wasn't good enough and we should have done better. Now it is time to stick together more and to keep working and bounce back," said Arsenal captain Odegaard.

VILLA MARCH

Aston Villa kept up their unlikely title challenge with a 2-0 win against Newcastle.

Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored in each half at St James' Park to move third-place Villa level on points with Manchester City in second on 46 points and four behind Arsenal.

- AP