Despite not necessarily playing well at Old Trafford, Arsenal won three points and navigated a very tricky opening Premier League fixture.
Buoyed by the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who should both be excellent signings, Manchester United really took the game to Arsenal.
But in part thanks to the heroics of David Raya and Arsenal’s centre-backs, Mikel Arteta’s side managed to keep a clean sheet.
Nicklas Bendtner wasn’t a fan of Arsenal’s performance, but at the end of the day, it’s often said that title-winners know how to win ‘ugly’.
And in line with Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal debut, the Gunners clearly still have some way to go before they are at their beautiful best.
Martin Keown says whether Arsenal can win the Premier League title
That being said, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has now given his thoughts on whether Arteta’s side can go one better this year.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have finished second three years in a row, but for one reason or another, they’ve not quite been able to finish the job.
Season Position Points
2020/21 8th 61
2021/22 5th 69
2022/23 2nd 84
2023/24 2nd 89
2024/25 2nd 74
Arsenal’s league position in each full season under Mikel Arteta in the Premier League.
But following the additions of Martin Zubimendi and Gyokeres as mentioned, some feel as if the Premier League trophy might finally end up in N5 this summer.
Martin Zubimendi during a Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal debut causes Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker to say the exact same thing
And when speaking on talkSPORT on Monday, Keown admitted that he was tipping Arsenal to win the title – something he’s not done in previous years.
Asked if Arsenal will win the Premier League by Jim White, Keown replied: “Well, I’m backing them this year for the first time in a long, long time.
“The last three, four years I’ve not done so and this year I am.”
Riccardo Calafiori will actually be crucial to Arsenal’s title hopes
In terms of Arsenal’s title hopes, much of the focus will understandably be on the likes of Gyokeres, Zubimendi and long-term incumbents like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
However, defender Riccardo Calafiori might actually be an understated difference-maker for Arteta this season if he can stay fit.
Mikel Merino gave Calafiori a new nickname after scoring against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
And whilst the Gunners continue to search for an attacking x-factor to add to their squad – Arsenal are still in talks to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid for example, the answer might already be in their squad.
Starting his runs from the back, Calafiori adds an unpredictability to Arteta’s side going forward, and he’s extremely reliable at the back too.
And in terms of Keown finally tipping Arsenal to win the league, he’ll be aware that Arteta needs to keep his key players fit this time around.