Declan Rice, a midfielder for Arsenal, cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’s free kick in the second half, but Mikel Arteta’s team struggled to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, severely hurting their chances of winning the Premier League.

Second-place Arsenal, who have lost their last three games, have 55 points, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, but still have a game in hand.

Manchester United, who have only won three of their last 12 games and one of their last five league games, are in 14th place with 34 points.

Arsenal, who were looking to build on their 7-1 Champions League thumping of PSV Eindhoven midweek, dominated possession but had few chances in the first half.

Fernandes broke the tie seconds before halftime and against the flow of play with a brilliant free kick that flew over the wall and past goalkeeper David Raya’s outstretched hands.

This was the first time United had led at halftime of a Premier League game since December 1.

The second half was even more intriguing with close misses for both sides before Rice levelled in the 74th minute when he grabbed onto a ball from Jurrien Timber and fired a powerful effort from the edge of the area past Andre Onana.

Rice celebrated by raising a finger to shush the United fans in the Stretford end.