Calafiori header gives Arsenal winning start at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a narrow but valuable 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal.

Early breakthrough

The only goal of the match arrived in the 13th minute. Declan Rice’s corner was whipped onto the six-yard line, where United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir came to punch under pressure from William Saliba. The Turkish goalkeeper failed to connect properly, leaving Calafiori unmarked at the back post to nod the ball into an empty net and spark celebrations among the travelling supporters.

It was another example of Arsenal’s strength at set pieces under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners once again profiting from a well-drilled routine.

United on the front foot

Despite falling behind, the hosts carried most of the attacking intent. They controlled possession for long spells and created far more chances, but they were continually denied by an inspired David Raya.

The Arsenal keeper produced a string of sharp saves, including three from debutant Matheus Cunha, and a superb stop low to his left to keep out Bryan Mbeumo’s curling effort after the break. Mason Mount also went close just before half-time, only for Raya to claw his strike away at full stretch.

Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt both missed late opportunities, heading and shooting wide respectively, while Raya was again alert in stoppage time to push away a De Ligt header.

Arsenal hang on

For all of United’s pressure, the visitors still carried a threat on the counter. Rice almost doubled the lead with a late free-kick that whistled past the post, while Bukayo Saka saw a shot blocked in the dying moments.

The Red Devils continued to push right until the final whistle, but Arsenal’s resilience ensured they left Manchester with three points - their fifth win in the last six league meetings with their old rivals.