ARSENAL STRIKE FIRST AT OLD TRAFFORD. 💥 pic.twitter.com/9qqria3zVH
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 17, 2025
Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s early strike.
The Italian defender netted the only goal in the 13th minute after United’s stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir flapped at a Declan Rice corner, leaving Calafiori with a simple header into an empty net. Bayindir was deputising for the injured Andre Onana and his costly error ultimately decided the contest.
United, who invested £200 million ($271 million) in new forwards this summer, showed signs of promise but failed to find a breakthrough. Debutants Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo unsettled Arsenal’s backline early on, while substitute Benjamin Sesko—who had been linked with Arsenal before joining United—was unable to make an impact.
Patrick Dorgu came closest to equalising before half-time when his long-range strike rattled the post. Raya, meanwhile, was crucial for the visitors, denying Mbeumo and Cunha with key saves, including a stunning stop from a powerful header.
For Arsenal, summer signing Viktor Gyokeres struggled on his league debut and was replaced by Kai Havertz before the hour mark. Despite United’s dominance in possession and territory, Mikel Arteta’s men stood firm defensively to preserve a vital opening-day win.
The result keeps Arsenal in step with title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who also recorded victories. After three successive second-place finishes, pressure is mounting on Arteta to deliver Arsenal’s first league title since 2004.
David Raya made more saves than any other goalkeeper (7) during the Premier League's opening weekend 😮👏 pic.twitter.com/UYgmP71HUy
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 17, 2025
FULL TIME. Arsenal hang on for a 1-0 win over Manchester United to begin their season. 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/VWGDXL6vWP
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 17, 2025