Pic: Courtesy BBC.
By Agency Reports
Arsenal began their Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Despite being outplayed for much of the match, the Gunners demonstrated resilience to secure three points.
Manchester United dominated possession with 61% and took 22 shots, but Arsenal’s defence held firm. Arsenal’s match-winner came from Riccardo Calafiori, whose set-piece goal showcased the team’s ongoing threat from corners—a tactic that has yielded 31 goals since 2023.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the team’s lack of cohesion, noting that new players like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are still settling in. Gyokeres, in particular, struggled to find rhythm, failing to take a single shot—the first time since April 2023.
Former players and pundits praised Arsenal’s resilience, highlighting that securing points despite an uneven performance is a hallmark of championship-calibre teams. Arteta emphasized that while improvements are needed, the team can build momentum and confidence from this victory.