The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off with a familiar, yet thrilling, fixture as **Arsenal** travelled to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. In a match that was more about grit and resilience than free-flowing football, the Gunners secured a crucial 1-0 victory, sending a clear message to their title rivals. While the performance may not have been a vintage display of “Artetaball,” it was a win built on the defensive solidity and determination that has become a hallmark of this team.
The starting XI for Arsenal featured new signing **Viktor Gyokeres** and **Riccardo Calafiori**, with **David Raya** in goal. The back four was completed by **Ben White**, **William Saliba**, and **Gabriel Magalhães**, a trio that would be tested relentlessly throughout the afternoon. Calafiori, making his return from injury, was the unlikely hero, scoring the winning goal from a corner, a testament to Arsenal’s continued prowess on set pieces.
### **Defensive Mastery, The Unsung Heroes, and A Goalkeeper’s Redemption**
Special mention must go to the defensive unit. **David Raya**, who has been under scrutiny at times, delivered a man-of-the-match performance, making several vital saves to keep a rampant United attack at bay. He commanded his area with confidence and, unlike his opposite number, made no errors. The partnership of **Gabriel** and **Saliba** was immense. **Gabriel**, nicknamed “**Big Gabby**” by fans, was a physical force, winning tackles and aerial duels. **Saliba’s** class was on full display, as he effortlessly picked the pockets of United’s attackers and made a crucial block to preserve the lead. Together with **Calafiori**, who also put in a solid defensive shift, they formed an almost impenetrable wall.
But the defensive effort was a collective one. **Ben White**, often an attacking threat, showed immense tactical discipline, staying deep to contain United’s energetic left flank and ensuring there were no free avenues to attack. His tireless work rate, along with that of the rest of the back line, was a crucial factor in the victory. The substitutions, including **Jurriën Timber** coming on for **Ben White**, also maintained the defensive solidity and helped see out the game.
### **A Glimpse of the Future and a Familiar Set-Piece Success**
While the victory was a testament to defensive solidity, the midfield trio of **Martin Ødegaard**, **Declan Rice**, and new arrival **Martin Zubimendi** offered a tantalising glimpse into the future. It was a baptism of fire for them, as they struggled at times to assert control over the game, particularly in the face of United’s high-energy press. There were moments of frantic play where the team seemed unable to find its rhythm, as acknowledged by captain **Ødegaard** himself, who said things were “a bit too hectic” in the first half.
However, the collective quality of this trio is undeniable. **Rice**, as the cool head in the eye of the storm, was constantly communicating and trying to organise the team. He was the one to deliver the perfectly flighted in-swinging corner that led to the only goal. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a well-drilled routine and a hallmark of Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. The delivery was aimed at the six-yard box, causing chaos and a familiar weakness in United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, who fumbled the ball directly into the path of **Calafiori**.
While **Zubimendi**‘s debut wasn’t flawless, he showed glimpses of the intelligence and composure that persuaded the club to make him a long-term target. He often dropped deep to pick up the ball and was instrumental in circulating possession, even if United’s press limited his ability to get on the ball in more dangerous areas. The partnership between him and Rice is a work in progress, but the potential is immense. As the season progresses and they find their rhythm, this midfield is set to become one of the most formidable in the league, providing the perfect balance of creativity, defensive stability, and control.
However, the striking options were a point of concern. New signing **Viktor Gyokeres**, while showing glimpses of his power, had a quiet debut. The forward line as a whole seemed a bit flat and struggled to get into a rhythm. They couldn’t move the ball forward with the fluidity we’ve come to expect from this Arsenal side. This is an area that will need to improve as the season unfolds, especially against teams that sit back and force Arsenal to break them down.
### **How the New Signings Fared**
For Gooners, the anticipation around the club’s new signings was immense, and the opening day at Old Trafford offered the first real look at their contributions.
The headline performance belongs to **Riccardo Calafiori**. The Italian defender was an unlikely hero, rising to nod home the winner from a corner in a moment of sheer opportunism. While not his debut for the club, as he had been with Arsenal last season, today felt like a fresh start after an injury-plagued first year. He had played in the Arsenal before, but his presence going forward and his crucial goal against United marked a triumphant return. Beyond his dream goal, Calafiori looked solid and composed, showing signs of the modern, ball-playing defender he was brought in to be. His performance suggests he’ll be a vital part of the back-line, and a goal at Old Trafford is certainly one way to immediately endear yourself to the fans.
On the other hand, the competitive debut of star striker **Viktor Gyokeres** was a quieter affair. He toiled hard against a physical United defence but was often isolated and struggled to get into a rhythm. He was substituted in the second half, having failed to register a shot. While this may cause some initial concern, it’s crucial to remember that this was his first Premier League game. The quality of his movement and his physical strength were on display, and it’s clear that the team needs to work on providing him with better service. His potential is undeniable, and his time to shine will surely come as he integrates with the squad.
Coming off the bench, **Noni Madueke** also made his Arsenal debut. Though his minutes were limited, he showed flashes of the directness and flair that made him a sought-after talent.
### **Moment of the Match: Raya’s Heroics**
While Calafiori’s goal won the game, it was a moment of defensive brilliance that truly saved it. In a game filled with heroic blocks, one standout moment came in the second half. Following a dangerous cross, United’s new striker **Bryan Mbeumo** connected with a powerful, downward header that seemed destined for the back of the net. But **David Raya**, continuing his stellar performance, scrambled across his goal and, with a full-stretch, diving save, palmed the ball away from danger. It was a crucial, acrobatic stop that preserved the clean sheet and summed up Arsenal’s resolute performance.
In the final minutes, with United pushing for an equaliser, the away end at Old Trafford erupted in the familiar, defiant chant: “**One-Nil to the Arsenal!**” This was not just a chant about the scoreline; it was a celebration of the team’s ability to grind out a victory when it mattered most.
### **The Manager’s Verdict: A Win at All Costs**
In his post-match press conference, **Mikel Arteta** made it clear that while he was not entirely pleased with the performance, the result was paramount. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, admitting that they were “not at their standards” in many aspects of the game. He noted that the team “gave the ball away” too often and allowed the game to become a “basketball game,” which he was frustrated with.
However, this criticism was tempered by a profound satisfaction with the outcome. Arteta praised the team’s “resilience” and their ability to “find a way to win the game” despite the circumstances. He also highlighted the psychological significance of the victory, particularly at Old Trafford. “When you feel that they are building something special… and you are able to come away with the win, I’m very happy and proud of the team,” he stated.
Perhaps most tellingly, he revealed a new level of expectation within the squad. “I go in the dressing room, we won here the first game, and we are not still happy,” he said. “It’s a good sign.” For Arteta, and for the fans who have followed this team’s journey, the days of being content with a moral victory are over. The focus is now squarely on the points, the clean sheets, and the relentless pursuit of a championship. This hard-fought win at Old Trafford wasn’t just a three-point haul; it was a reaffirmation of a winning mentality that will be crucial for the season ahead.
### **The Psychological Edge and a Broader Context**
Beyond the tactical and individual performances, this victory was a massive psychological statement. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric, and a rejuvenated Manchester United, led by their new attackers, put the Gunners under sustained pressure. The fact that the team absorbed that pressure and did not crack, making heroic blocks and last-ditch tackles, speaks volumes about their character and maturity. It wasn’t a win based on skill alone, but on a psychological strength that they lacked in previous seasons.
This crucial victory also sets the tone for the season. Arsenal’s win followed victories by likely title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, showing that the race at the top will be as competitive as ever. This frames Arsenal’s win as a crucial “must-win” to keep pace with the rest of the elite.
### **The Unanswered Question**
While Arsenal’s defence and resilience were on full display, a lingering question remains from this opening day performance: Does this team truly possess the killer instinct in attack to outlast their rivals?
Against a formidable defence, **Manchester City** and **Liverpool** have shown time and again they can create something from nothing, with moments of individual brilliance or a sudden surge of pressure in the final third. They have a ruthless efficiency that allows them to turn draws into wins and close out games with a decisive second or third goal.
This is what was missing from Arsenal’s performance at Old Trafford. They had the opportunity to put the game to bed, but the final pass or shot was often lacking. As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, the pressure will mount.
So, the question for every fan is this: Does this Arsenal side, for all its defensive solidity and mental fortitude, have the killer instinct in attack to win the title? Can they find that final gear when it matters most, just like their rivals do? The answer to that question will likely define their season.
Images courtesy of Reuters/Action Images