Arsenal Edge Manchester United 1-0 in Premier League Opener at Old Trafford

Arsenal kicked off the 2025-26 Premier League on a gritty 1-0 win to Manchester United, Old Trafford.

Riccardo Calafiori's 13th-minute goal settled the matter, putting the Gunners on course for modern era triumph in their quest for the title. United, however, under the charge of new boss Ruben Amorim, had glimpses of possibilities but were let down by a costly blunder. The turning point for the game came after just a few minutes when United’s number 2 goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, made a howler from a corner, letting Calafiori pounce and score. Without regular keeper Andre Onana, being out due to a hamstring problem, United's attack, featuring newcomers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, threw everything at Arsenal's solid defensive unit, marshaled by Gabriel and William Saliba.

• Arsenal Edge Man United 1-0 in Premier League Opener as Calafiori Strikes Early
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Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyokeres had a quiet debut, replaced by Kai Havertz after an hour. Midfield newcomer Martin Zubimendi, however, shone alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. Manchester United’s big-money signing Benjamin Sesko came off the bench but couldn’t find the net, while Patrick Dorgu’s first-half shot rattled the post. Bruno Fernandes, was frustrated after the match, pointing out that his team dominated at times but failed to turn their chances into goals.

Mikel Arteta was pleased with Arsenal’s grit, saying, “We kept fighting and got the reward today.” Still, some fans and analysts, like Daniel Sturridge, raised concerns about Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces and Gyokeres’ slow start. Amorim, on the other hand, stayed positive, noting, “We’re getting better, but we’ve got to be more clinical.”

Also Read: Liverpool Celebrate 20th Premier League Title with 5-1 Thrashing of Tottenham

The match, shown live on Sky Sports, had fans buzzing about Arsenal’s defensive strength and United’s promising, yet unfinished, performance. Arsenal now look ahead to their next game, while United prepare to face Fulham, hoping to get their first points on the board.