Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a gritty 1–0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, 2025. It was far from a vintage performance by Mikel Arteta’s men, but a single defensive lapse from United handed the Gunners all three points.
Calafiori the Difference
The decisive moment came inside the opening stages when Riccardo Calafiori rose highest from a corner to head past Altay Bayindir. United’s goalkeeper misjudged the flight of the ball, leaving the Italian defender free to nod in what proved to be the game’s only goal.
From there, Arsenal rarely impressed going forward but showed their trademark resilience. New striker Viktor Gyökeres had little impact and failed to register a single shot, underlining Arsenal’s lack of attacking fluency on the day.
United Promise, But No End Product
For United, this was another case of control without conversion. Rúben Amorim’s side saw more of the ball, dictated tempo, and carved out multiple openings but lacked the clinical touch in front of goal.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both making their debuts, injected energy and creativity yet could not find the finishing touch. Full-back Patrick Dorgu rattled the post, while substitute Benjamin Šeško was kept quiet after his introduction.
Despite United’s dominance in possession, their vulnerability from set pieces proved costly once again—a familiar problem from past seasons.
Arsenal’s Pragmatism Prevails
Arteta’s side looked second-best for large spells but executed their defensive plan with discipline. The Gunners absorbed pressure, cleared their lines when necessary, and relied on moments of composure from the backline to see out the result.
For Arsenal, this was less about style and more about substance. Three points, a clean sheet, and a winning start away at Old Trafford will be all that matters to Arteta as his side chase another title challenge.
Tactical Takeaways
Manchester United: Encouraging signs in the build-up, with debutants showing flashes of quality, but continued frailty at set pieces remains a major concern. Arsenal: Far from their fluid best but underlined their maturity as a side capable of winning ugly. Calafiori’s early strike highlighted the value of defensive contributions at the other end.
Final Whistle:
United will be left frustrated after controlling much of the contest without reward, while Arsenal walk away satisfied with a result that reinforces their ability to grind out victories in difficult environments.
For Amorim, there is promise but also a clear reminder that possession means little without goals. For Arteta, it’s another step forward in proving his Arsenal can win in multiple ways—even when underwhelming.
Final Score: Manchester United 0–1 Arsenal
Goalscorer: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
