Arsenal and Manchester United opened up their respective campaigns against one another at Old Trafford on Sunday with the Gunner picking up a 1-0 win away from home.
Red Devils Start Strong in Opening Minutes
Manchester United began the match on the front foot, pressing high and keeping Arsenal pinned back for the opening ten minutes. The Red Devils showed clear intent early, leaving the Gunners with very little opportunity to settle into possession.
Calafiori Scores from Arsenal’s New Corner Routine
Against the run of play, Arsenal struck in the 13th minute. Riccardo Calafiori rose highest to head home from a corner after United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır failed to deal with the initial delivery, parrying weakly before the Italian defender capitalized.
The goal was a product of Arsenal’s newly designed corner setup. With most players attacking from the edge of the box, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover’s latest scheme paid off immediately – and ultimately delivered the game’s decisive goal.
Dorgu Hits the Woodwork
United nearly found a response in the 30th minute when Patrick Dorgu unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area. His effort beat David Raya but rattled the far post, letting Mikel Arteta’s side off the hook.
By halftime, Manchester United had dictated the tempo, enjoying 56% of possession compared to Arsenal’s 44%.
Second Half: A Similar Story
As the second half got underway, it was clear early that the field was sloped to Arsenal’s end with Manchester United maintaining the bulk of possession and dictating the pace of play.
Coming into the match, I (along with many others) was under the impression that Arsenal were going to be the side with much more possession and creating more chances, however, I will admit when I am wrong. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side look a great deal improved in their way of play from last season and look like they are now growing into the Portuguese manager’s tactics.
Mixed Debuts: Gyökeres Struggles, Šeško Shows Glimpses, Cunha and Mbeumo Show Promise
Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyökeres endured a frustrating debut. The Swede struggled to link play, misplaced passes, and failed to register a real threat before being substituted for Kai Havertz in the 60th minute.
On the other side, Benjamin Šeško made his Premier League debut from the bench in the 65th minute. Although he showed flashes of danger, United’s late push for an equalizer failed to provide him with any real service.
Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha impressed in United’s starting lineup. Both showed their ability to stretch defenses on the counter and will likely become exciting attacking options for Amorim this season.
Arsenal Grind Out a Narrow Win
It was far from a vintage performance from Arsenal, but they did what was necessary to walk away with three points. Calafiori’s first-half goal proved enough, with the Gunners weathering United’s pressure and holding firm until the final whistle.
A cliché perhaps, but fitting: a win is a win. And in the Premier League, they don’t ask how – they ask how many.
