Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Manchester United on Sunday evening, with Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header proving decisive in a contest full of drama, missed chances, and late pressure from the hosts.
Despite controlling long spells of the game, United were once again undone by fragile goalkeeping and squandered opportunities, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal showed resilience to dig deep and leave Old Trafford with three crucial points.
United on Top, but Arsenal Strike First
The game began at a frantic pace, with United’s revamped attack—featuring Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo—stretching Arsenal’s defence. Early chances fell to both, with Mbeumo testing David Raya and Cunha forcing the Spaniard into an excellent fingertip save.
Yet, against the run of play, Arsenal struck in the 13th minute. Declan Rice’s inswinging corner caused chaos inside the six-yard box, and when United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failed to command his area, Calafiori pounced to nod home from close range.
It was a moment that underlined United’s glaring goalkeeping problem. With André Onana sidelined and Bayindir struggling to convince, the visitors were gifted an advantage they scarcely deserved on first-half evidence.
Raya Stands Firm Under Pressure
The goal didn’t knock United off their stride. Patrick Dorgu went close with a curling effort that clipped the post, while Cunha continued to bully Arsenal’s centre-backs, only to be repeatedly denied by Raya.
At the other end, Arsenal offered flashes through Martin Ødegaard’s composure on the ball, but their attacking rhythm was largely absent. Viktor Gyökeres, making his Premier League debut, struggled to impose himself before being replaced by Kai Havertz in the second half.
Raya, though, stood tall. His brilliant stop from Mbeumo’s header in the 73rd minute was arguably the game’s defining moment, preserving Arsenal’s lead just as United sensed an equaliser.
Sesko Debuts, United Push in Vain
The introduction of Benjamin Sesko for his Manchester United debut drew a raucous reception from the Old Trafford crowd. The Slovenian striker immediately added presence up front, combining well with Amad Diallo and Cunha in the closing stages.
United peppered Arsenal’s box with crosses and half-chances in the final ten minutes, but William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were heroic in defence. One last-ditch challenge from Saliba to deny Cunha inside the six-yard box epitomised the Gunners’ resilience.
United’s last roll of the dice saw Harry Maguire pushed forward as an auxiliary striker, but even he could not break Arsenal’s stubborn resistance.
Arsenal Grind Out the Win
It was far from a vintage performance from Arsenal, who struggled in possession and created little going forward. But Mikel Arteta will not care. His side showed determination, organisation, and no shortage of grit to claim a valuable early-season victory over one of their fiercest rivals.
For United, however, this was a bitter pill to swallow. Ruben Amorim’s side played with verve and created enough to win the game, but poor finishing and shaky goalkeeping once again proved costly. Their fans will take encouragement from the attacking intent on display, but questions will only grow louder over the club’s failure to strengthen in goal this summer.
Final Score: Manchester United 0–1 Arsenal
Goal: Calafiori (13’)