Arsenal began their Premier League title bid with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, capitalising on a costly error by United’s stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
The only goal of the match came in the 13th minute when Riccardo Calafiori pounced on Bayindir’s mistake, heading into an unguarded net after the Turkish international failed to deal with an inswinging Declan Rice corner.
United, who spent £200 million ($271 million) on new forwards in an attempt to boost their attacking firepower, were unable to break down Arsenal’s disciplined defence. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo struggled to make an impact, while substitute Benjamin Sesko could not punish Arsenal for not pursuing him earlier, having been replaced by Arsenal’s Kai Havertz after the first hour.
Despite finishing second in each of the past three seasons, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta relied on his defensive unit and goalkeeper David Raya to secure the three points, as his side showed little attacking spark but remained solid at the back.
United’s struggles continued from last season, in which they scored only 44 goals in 38 Premier League games, finishing 15th their worst campaign in 51 years. The new signings have at least lifted spirits at Old Trafford, with the majority of the 75,000 fans leaving, encouraged by glimpses of promise from Ruben Amorim’s men.
Early on, Cunha and Mbeumo caused problems for Arsenal’s usually steady centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, but the visitors remained resilient. Patrick Dorgu came closest to a United equaliser before half-time, with a powerful shot from distance that rebounded off the post.
Arsenal had shown interest in Sesko for over a year before signing Viktor Gyokeres, who made a quiet Premier League debut and was substituted before the hour mark. Sesko entered to a hero’s welcome, having chosen Arsenal over Newcastle.
In the closing stages, United dominated possession but were unable to find a breakthrough. Mbeumo’s header was expertly saved by Raya, who also tipped another Cunha effort across the face of goal.
Arsenal held firm to keep pace with title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who also secured wins on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 campaign.
