Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka
Image credit: Getty Images
Bukayo Saka has urged his Arsenal teammates to raise their standards after admitting the Gunners “will be punished” if they continue to repeat the mistakes that marred their 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Riccardo Calafiori’s 13th-minute header, capitalising on a misjudged corner by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, secured Arsenal’s opening-day win. But beyond the goal, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to impose themselves, producing just nine shots compared to United’s 22 and conceding nearly 62% possession.
Speaking after the game, Saka did not hold back in his assessment. “It was not a great performance,” he admitted. “We are happy with the three points, to come away from Old Trafford with a win. But we were not up to our usual standards.
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“The basics, sloppy giveaways, poor decision-making that cost us and gave United momentum. We did not get punished for it today, but we cannot do it every game.”
Bukayo Saka on the Manchester United win yesterday: “It was not a great performance. We are happy with the three points, to come away from Old Trafford with a win.
“We were not up to our usual standards, the basics, sloppy giveaways. Our decision making was not great and that… pic.twitter.com/P9FWo559pl
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 18, 2025
Goalkeeper David Raya echoed Saka’s concerns, stressing the importance of improvement despite keeping a clean sheet.
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The spotlight also fell on new £63.5 million striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was handed penalty duties ahead of Saka and Martin Odegaard but endured a muted Premier League debut. The Sweden international failed to register a shot before being replaced just after the hour mark.
Saka defended his new teammate, insisting his contribution went beyond statistics. “I was impressed with him and he battled for us,” the England winger said. “It was tough. There was a big battle up there. His performance gives us something to build on.”
The result ensured Arsenal began their season with maximum points, but Saka’s warning highlights the fine margins in a title race they cannot afford to take lightly. After finishing runners-up three seasons in a row, Arteta’s men face renewed pressure to deliver consistency if they are to finally end their long wait for a Premier League crown.
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