In a match filled with expectations, Arsenal defeated Manchester United with a score of 1-0 at Old Trafford. A mistake by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in the 13th minute cost the home team the only goal of the match, scored by Riccardo Calafiori.
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Arsenal takes the victory
Despite Manchester United showing a more consistent game during several stretches of the match, and the debuts of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Ruben Amorim’s team failed to convert their goal opportunities. Although Benjamin Sesko was introduced in the last 25 minutes, the score did not change.
Coach Amorim, before the match, had confirmed André Onana’s availability to start, but opted for Bayindir, a decision that proved crucial due to the error that cost the goal.
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Arsenal’s squad depth, key to the victory
One of Arsenal’s priorities in the summer transfer market was to strengthen the squad available to Mikel Arteta, and this was evident in the substitutions made at Old Trafford.Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly, regular players last season, as well as Jurriën Timber and Mikel Merino, are solid options. In addition, Noni Madueke, signed for 52 million pounds, strengthens the team.This situation contrasts with the reliance on less regular players in whom Arteta perhaps did not fully trust. The ‘Gunners’ believe they are now better prepared for potential injury crises, such as the one they suffered the previous season.The team’s performance in the second half focused more on defense, but the physical strength provided from the bench helped maintain the level. The decision to play Calafiori at left-back was a surprise, and although his performance exceeded Arteta’s expectations, it seems that the defender enjoys scoring in Manchester.Let’s remember the magnificent goal he scored against Manchester City in September.By Olley
The United and their goalkeeping problems
The need for a new goalkeeper has been a recurring theme for United all summer, and the situation is aggravated after Bayindir’s mistake. The starting goalkeeper, Onana, was unable to play the preseason due to an injury, and although he has already recovered, he was only able to train three full sessions with the team the previous week.Onana has not convinced since his arrival from Ajax two years ago, and Bayindir’s opportunity to prove his worth was marred by his mistake.Bayindir stood static on his goal line against the corner kick taken by Declan Rice, and was unable to clear the ball, which allowed Calafiori to score with a header.The United have tried to minimize speculation about the need for a new goalkeeper. Club sources have denied interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma, despite his availability, and although they made a loan offer for Emiliano Martínez, Aston Villa rejected it. There are still weeks left in the transfer market.United insists that, if more funds are available, they will be allocated to a midfielder. However, Bayindir’s mistake and doubts about Onana could change the club’s priority.By Rob Dawson
Gyökeres still has room for improvement
Attention focused on Gyökeres following his 73 million euro transfer from Sporting CP.Many expected him to sign for United, given his connection with Amorim in Portugal. But Arsenal moved ahead, responding to the request of the ‘Gunners’ fans for a clinical center forward to aspire to the Premier League title.Although one shouldn’t judge after a single match, it’s fair to say he still has room for improvement. Despite some dangerous plays and a good cross in the first half for Gabriel Martinelli, Gyökeres was substituted on the hour mark without having taken a single shot on goal.Partly, this was due to Arsenal’s conservative approach, but at the start of the second half, Gyökeres had space and the opportunity to go towards the goal. Instead, he lost control of the ball and fouled Casemiro. Gyökeres completed 21 touches and four passes out of nine.Without a doubt, it will improve. But the lack of shots is a surprising anomaly. In the two previous seasons of the Primeira Liga with Sporting, he recorded at least one shot in the 66 matches played. The last time Gyökeres, 27 years old, did not record a shot was in March 2024 against Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League.By Olley
United improved, but it wasn’t enough
United lost again at Old Trafford under Amorim’s management, but the match was different from last season’s defeats. Amorim promised the fans a better team, and at least in the first match, he delivered.Cunha showed a good performance and combined well with Mbeumo, the other summer signing. The 3-4-3 system worked well, giving space to the wing-backs Diogo Dalot and Dorgu. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes maintained the balance in midfield against Rice, Zubimendi and Martin Ødegaard.However, tight matches are decided by small details, and United were on the wrong side. Bayindir barely had any work, except to parry a corner that ended up on Calafiori’s head. Amorim is not one to cling to the positives of a defeat, but this should be a step in the right direction.If United achieves victories against Fulham and Burnley before the derby against Manchester City on September 14, the Old Trafford fans will regain optimism.By Dawson
