Arsenal win at Old Trafford exposes flaws

Arsenal edged Manchester United 1-0 but showed sloppy basics and need sharper decision making.

Arsenal win at Old Trafford reveals flaws

Arsenal secured a 1-0 win at Old Trafford after Riccardo Calafiori struck in the 13th minute following a mistake by United’s stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The visitors were far from their best, turning the ball over too often and allowing United to press with energy, even if the home side could not translate that pressure into a goal. The result hides a larger issue for Arsenal as they chase consistency after finishing runners-up in three straight seasons.

Viktor Gyokeres, the club’s record signing at 55 million pounds, had a tough afternoon, struggling to hold up the ball and lacking clear chances before being substituted just after the hour. Saka backed his new team-mate, saying he battled for the team and has slotted in well, while the group must curb sloppy decision making if they want to turn this win into momentum for the rest of the campaign.

The win at Old Trafford offers a snapshot of Arsenal’s season ahead. The side showed resilience to grind out three points, but the repeated lapses in possession suggest a need for greater composure and discipline under pressure. If they can reduce careless giveaways, the team could translate early season energy into more consistent performances against stronger opponents. Gyokeres’ debut also raises questions about how the forward line will function in tandem with established attackers and how quickly he can adapt to the Premier League’s pace.

Looking ahead, the club faces a test of balance between spending and results. Gyokeres’ introduction could pay dividends, but this first showing signals the work still required to integrate him into a coherent attacking unit. The coming fixtures will reveal whether Arsenal can convert one decent result into a sustained run of form and whether the squad depth can withstand longer campaigns without eroding performance.

Highlights

Consistency will determine whether this win is a turning point or a temporary lift.