Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester United: Viktor Gyokeres underwhelms on debut | OneFootball

The new striker failed to make the most of rare openings

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal defied a largely below-par performance to beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford and make a winning start to their Premier League campaign.

The Gunners were not at their best in defence or attack, but a Riccardo Calafiori header from a corner proved enough to earn them three points.

Mikel Arteta’s side spent much of the second half on the back foot, yet did enough to extend their unbeaten run over United in the Premier League to six matches.

Here’s how Standard Sport rated the Arsenal players at Old Trafford...

David Raya 7

Very nearly caught when taking too long on the ball as Cunha closed, but made a brilliant save to deny the forward from a tight angle. Kept out Mbeumo’s header in the second half.

Ben White 7

The most convincing of Arsenal’s defenders. Covered across well in the opening minute and did not find himself as exposed as some of his team-mates, even if there were some tough moments against Matheus Cunha.

William Saliba 6

Incredibly shaky display in the first 45 minutes. Let long balls in behind bounce on more than one occasion and unusually loose on the ball at times. Stepped up when Arsenal came under pressure late on.

Gabriel 7

Great block in the first half to stop Mbeumo troubling Raya but he too was not at his best. Committed as ever though in throwing his body in the way when needed.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

His pressing led to the corner from which he scored, reacting quickest from close range. Struggled defensively against Mbeumo and was booked for pulling him back.

Martin Zubimendi 6

Gunners had limited spells of sustained possession and Zubimendi could not stamp his control on the midfield. Penalised for a barge on Fernandes on the edge of his own area.

Declan Rice 6

Went under the radar but super as ever from set-pieces. Corner delivery proved too good for Altay Bayindir for Arsenal’s goal and found the side-netting with a second-half free-kick

Martin Odegaard 7

Threatening without having a decisive influence in the final third. Lovely skip inside to work space for a first-half shot and launched some dangerous counters with nicely-weighted passes in behind.

Bukayo Saka 5

Quiet afternoon for the man Arsenal so often turn to. Could not get in the game and his rare opportunities to run at his man brought no joy.

Viktor Gyokeres 5

Underwhelming competitive debut. Had the beating of De Ligt for strength but did not make the most of rare chances when given space in behind.

Gabriel Martinelli 4

Familiar issue - no conviction in the final third. Tame effort straight at keeper from one chance and a poor pass halted a promising counter.

Substitutes

Kai Havertz (Gyokeres 60’) 7’

Had more of an influence than Gyokeres in his half an hour on the pitch. Linked play well and won cheap free-kicks when needed.

Noni Madueke (Martinelli 60’) 5

Heavy touches after coming on so him turn the ball over and allow Man United to build pressure. No impact in attack.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Calafiori 71’) 6’

Booked in stoppage time for lunging in on Mbeumo after taking a poor touch.

Jurrien Timber (White 71’) 7

Immediately involved, offering an option on the overlap and showing great strength to keep the ball in tight areas.

Mikel Merino (Rice 83’) N/A