COUNTRY DENIAL
‘This has run over into Countryfile ffs’ – Fans rage as iconic BBC show postponed as Arsenal v Man Utd goes to penalties
There was an additional reason for viewers to get angry after game
SUNDAY evening television viewers were not happy Manchester United’s penalty shootout win over Arsenal in the FA Cup forced iconic BBC show Countryfile to be postponed.
Ruben Amorim’s men sealed a memorable victory over their London hosts to seal their spot in next month’s fourth round.
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Altay Bayindir, who had already saved a penalty in normal time, kept out Kai Havertz’s effort in the spot-kicks to help set up a tie against Leicester.
However, because United vs Arsenal went past the 90 minute mark into a further 30 minutes of extra time – plus the shootout – it meant another TV show was put on pause.
With the BBC showing the game, it meant fan favourite programme Countryfile was pushed back past its original time slot of 6pm.
It led to an outpouring of rage on social media, with many lamenting the fact United vs Arsenal had run over into Countryfile’s allotted time slot.
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And that was before the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup had even been remembered.
One fan said: “This has run over into Countryfile ffs.”
Another declared: “Countryfile viewers will be thrilled to know we haven’t had the draw yet.”
One added: “Countryfile will follow this episode of Harry Maguire calling someone a s***house.”
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Red Devils supporters won’t have minded pushing back the episode though.
United took the lead early on in the second half thanks to a goal from captain Bruno Fernandes.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Player Ratings (2)
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But things turned sour moments later when Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow.
It allowed Arsenal to fight their way back as a goal from Gabriel Magalhaes levelled things up.
United then gave away a penalty but Martin Odegaard’s effort was kept out by Bayindir.
The goalie was the hero again in the shootout as he saved Havert’s penalty.
United scored all five of theirs, with Joshua Zirkzee netting the decisive won to set up a tie against Leicester.
Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot's moment of madness
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup's fourth round on penalties.
The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot's 61st minute red card.
On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport's Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…
ALTAY BAYINDIR - 8
Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.
Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI - 7
Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT - 8
Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.
HARRY MAGUIRE - 8
Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.
Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear - the ball landed at Kai Havertz's feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ - 7
Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.
DIOGO DALOT - 3
Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.
MANUEL UGARTE - 7
A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal's dominance.
Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.
KOBBIE MAINOO - 6
Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.
Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel's equaliser.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO - 7
Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.
Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.
BRUNO FERNANDES - 7
Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.
Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.
RASMUS HOJLUND - 3
Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.
SUBSTITUTES
Amad (for Garnacho, 80mins) - 6
Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality - though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) - 6
Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.
Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) - 5
Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.
Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) - 6
Stuck to his task well.
Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) - 6
Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.
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