Arsenal scrape Old Trafford win to start title challenge | OneFootball

Calafiori’s header settled the score, but the performance exposed early-season nerves and will leave Arteta demanding more control from his side.

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Arsenal opened their season with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford, but the performance was anything but convincing.

The decisive goal came in the first half when Riccardo Calafiori headed home from a corner, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a lead they would hold on to under increasing pressure.

Arsenal were sloppy throughout the match, with William Saliba and Calafiori both giving the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half, but you could pick anyone out as underpar, in any area of the pitch.

David Raya, uncertain with his distribution, redeemed himself with two fantastic saved, earning him the Player of the Match award.

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In midfield, Martin Ødegaard passing stats saw him at just 70% accuracy and the gap between Rice and Martín Zubimendi gave United space to attack, with Bryan Mbeumo causing problems on the break.

Arsenal’s passing in the final third was also off, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli repeatedly misplacing simple balls towards Viktor Gyökeres.

The second half saw United take control. Arsenal’s back line was exposed down the flanks and Raya was called on to preserve the lead.

Clearances were hoofed and hurried as Arsenal dropped deeper as the match wore on.

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Gyökeres was isolated up front and the substitutes offered little attacking relief, with Arteta also opting for defensive cover by bringing on Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber.

United pressed hard for an equaliser, forcing frantic defending and several last-ditch blocks, but Arsenal held firm until the final whistle, to the relief of Gooners everywhere.

It was a scrappy win, reliant on a set piece and defensive strength rather than attacking fluency, but it delivered three valuable points at a ground where Arsenal have often struggled.