Arsenal win at Old Trafford after Calafiori goal

Arsenal win 1-0 at Old Trafford with Calafiori scoring from a Rice corner as Raya shines and Gyokeres faces a learning curve on debut.

Arsenal edge United as Calafiori shines and Gyokeres starts slow

Arsenal won 1-0 at Old Trafford to start the season, with Viktor Gyokeres making his Arsenal debut but failing to register a shot or a key chance before being subbed off. Bukayo Saka completed the match for Arsenal but had only one shot, blocked in stoppage time, and created just one other chance. The opening 45 minutes showed the team still finding rhythm, even as Arsenal defended resolutely and chased a breakthrough.

The game hardened around the set-piece battle, a familiar Arsenal strength. Declan Rice’s corner produced the only goal, finished by Riccardo Calafiori after a left-back shift that added defensive cover and width. David Raya earned his nod as a standout presence, pulling off a string of saves to keep United at bay and underscoring how a confident goalkeeper can stabilize a young defense. On the United side, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looked like a potent pairing, combining for nine shots and repeatedly challenging Arsenal’s center backs, while Sesko’s late introduction hinted at a more varied attacking setup once the new pieces settle in. Ruben Amorim’s praise of his attackers and the early-season improvement in pressing and decision-making suggest United may still evolve quickly, even as this result leaves questions about focal points and finishing.

Highlights

This is just the start of a longer season full of early tests and evolving plans.