It might not have been pretty, but stepping off the park with three points and a 1-0 win at Old Trafford is a pretty thing indeed.
Arsenal’s Premier League campaign kicked off with a thin but vital win, earned through set-piece efficiency, resilient defending, and a touch of Old-Guard spirit-rubbed over a shaky yet hopeful performance.
**Early Lift: Calafiori Strikes Through Chaos**
The difference came in the 13th minute. A lofted corner from Declan Rice sparked pandemonium in the box when United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir—starting in place of the injured André Onana—completely flapped the cross. Riccardo Calafiori was there to nod it home from close range. It was sharp instinct more than artistry, and boy did it count.
**Defensive Backbone (and Raya to the Rescue)**
After that chaotic opener, Arsenal’s defence buckled down. David Raya had to be alert—making multiple key saves, especially denying Bryan Mbeumo’s header and keeping out Matheus Cunha’s probing efforts. Despite United’s possession and number of shots, Arsenal’s backline held firm.
It wasn’t – by any measure – Arsenal’s most fluent performance. We lacked control, cohesion, and creative spark, especially in forward areas. Bukayo Saka, Martinelli, and even new signing Viktor Gyökeres looked subdued, failing to carve out meaningful moments. But that’s sometimes how games go: better to win ugly than lose beautifully.
**United’s Surge and Frustration**
Fireworks didn’t stop at Calafiori’s goal. United dominated in possession (61 % to 39.9 %) and peppered Raya’s net, though few truly threatened. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo each had moments; Mbeumo’s header saved, Cunha denied, but the finishing touch eluded them. Even a powerful strike from Patrick Dorgu rattled the post. United deserved more, but Arsenal deserved to keep that lead.
**Tactical Notes—or Lack Thereof**
From an Arsenal fan’s lens, Arteta’s approach struck a conservative chord. We sat back, invited pressure, and did not enforce our preferred style. Possession was a minuscule 39 %, and our attempts on goal were minimal, especially in the second half.
But let’s not ignore the brilliance of restraint. Against a re-energised United side with fresh attacking signings, including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko making their debuts, holding the fort earns its own kind of praise.
**Redemption in Resilience**
Arteta himself celebrated the defensive grit, pointing to the team’s reaction to mistakes and individuals stepping up when it counted, Calafiori chief among them. “Our defence was phenomenal,” he said, underlining how character and spirit defined the night.
It was ugly. It was calculated. It was disciplined. It was Arsenal doing what they do best: etching out wins.
**Looking Ahead**
For Manchester United, questions will linger, especially over goalkeeping choices and finishing lethargy; Ruben Amorim admitted the team “weren’t boring,” but they lost nonetheless.
Arsenal, however, march on. Not with sunshine football, but with three important points and the knowledge that they can grind out results. On days when natural flair doesn’t come, this is exactly the kind of win you build campaigns on.
**DJ**