Arsenal's set-piece strength shines as the Gunners scrape a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford to get their 2025-26 Premier League season underway with all three points.
Arsenal were up to familiar tricks in their first 45 minutes of the new Premier League season, taking an early lead thanks to Riccardo Calafiori's header from a corner, though it was Manchester United who looked the stronger side for much of the first half, creating several chances but failing to find the net.
The second half proved a much tighter affair as both struggled to create clearcut chances, and while Man Utd persistently pushed for an equaliser, the Gunners were able to stand firm and escape Old Trafford with the victory in hand.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
For Manchester United, there were plenty of encouraging signs to take into the coming weeks, particularly from new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the attack.
The summer signings were constant threats to the Arsenal backline, interchanging well with their teammates and each coming close to scoring on multiple occasions.
If the pair are able to strike up a partnership with fellow arrival Benjamin Sesko and start converting their chances, then Man Utd fans have plenty to look forward to this campaign.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manage to take all three points from Old Trafford for just the fourth time since lifting the title at their rivals ground in 2003-04, but Mikel Arteta will be concerned by aspects of their performance.
The Gunners looked shaky and unsure at the back during periods of the match, while they often struggled to break down Man Utd's defence to create clearcut chances.
Arsenal once again relied on their set-piece brilliance to secure the victory, which, regardless of the performance, gets three points on the board and is the ideal way to get their title bid underway in 2025-26.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS
Riccardo Calafiori goal vs. Arsenal (13th min, Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal)
"A magical Arsenal set piece" ?
Riccardo Calafiori opens the scoring for the Gunners! pic.twitter.com/a1m2uj2cfE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
New season, same Arsenal - the Gunners take the lead from a set-piece!
Declan Rice delivers a corner directly on top of Altay Bayindir in the Manchester United goal, and the goalkeeper fails to impose himself on the situation.
Bayindir's punch is a weak one, sending the ball toward the back post where Calafiori is able to head in from unmissable range.
MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVID RAYA
David Raya of Arsenal on August 27, 2025
On a challenging afternoon for Arsenal, Raya may not have had a mass of saves to make, but the Spaniard was a strong foundation when called upon.
The goalkeeper made seven saves throughout the 90 minutes, including a super stop to deny Cunha and a sprawling save to keep Mbeumo at bay.
Raya was also a commanding presence in his six-yard box, coming out to claim or punch away corners and crosses - something Bayindir was unable to replicate for Arsenal's winning goal.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS
Possession: Manchester United 61%-39% Arsenal
Shots: Manchester United 22-9 Arsenal
Shots on target: Manchester United 7-3 Arsenal
Corners: Manchester United 3-4 Arsenal
Fouls: Manchester United 10-19 Arsenal
BEST STATS
31 - Arsenal have scored 31 goals from corners since the start of 2023-24 in the Premier League; 11 more than the team with the next most in this period (Liverpool, 20). Trademark. pic.twitter.com/Rl4EaHKL2i
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 17, 2025
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 52 Premier League away games in which they led at half-time (W42 D9).
A 1-2 defeat at Everton in December 2021.#MUNARS
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 17, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Manchester United will look to bounce back from their opening day defeat to the Gunners when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on matchday two.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will take on Leeds United before a potentially crucial clash in the title race against Liverpool at Anfield at the end of the month.
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