Arsenal Get Past Manchester United At Old Trafford In Season's Opening Game

 

Arsenal made away with a victory on the road to Old Trafford as Manchester United lost 1-0 to their counterparts in the season's opening matchday. 

United were beaten but not embarrassed. The Gunners found the winner early in the game and held on to the lead, securing the maximum points for a good start to the new Premier League season. 

Riccardo Calafiori set the Gunners ahead when he finished an effort from Declan Rice's corner that Bayindr parried into his reach. The Gunners had pressurised United. leading to the corner from the right flank. 

Midway through the first half, Matheus Cunha broke through the centre, darting to the edge of Arsenal's box, striking the ball into Raya's catch. The break was brilliant, but his shot was weak enough for the catch.

Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last three opening matchday, with a similar outcome to their previous opening matchday victory in 2023/24. Meanwhile, United have lost three of the last six Premier League opening games at Old Trafford. Compared to Arsenal, United have completed four signings so far this summer and might sign more before this transfer window closes. 

Overview 

The interesting side of the game is not the outcome, but rather the lineup and substitutes that these sides had in the dugouts. Obviously, the better side would win, but going forward, the expectations from both sides are great because they have good enough players to go all the way and deliver this season. 

Starting for United were their new signings, such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and their impacts were felt at the front, even though their efforts did not culminate in goals in the earlier stages. There were scares from both Mbeumo and Cunha, but Arsenal maintained a resolute defense to avoid letting room for strikes from their hosts. 

Arsenal were thorough and pacey. At the front, they maintain cohesion and allow space for each other to penetrate. Cunha early set off a comeback with a backheel flip in front of the goal, but was blocked. Earlier, he set off a buildup leading to Dorgu's cross that found Mbeumo for a header, which Raya parried into safety.