Manchester will be better but not yet - Arsenal win at Old Trafford

Arsenal starts another season in quest for the Premier League title. Liverpool won last season without a single signing and they really strengthened this time, as well as Manchester City. So, from the start, the Gunners had to keep up with their main rivals especially after they both won on Friday and Saturday. But unlike them, Mikel Arteta and his men had a tough task – to win at Old Trafford. And they did it with some fantastic defending, experience and off course, mastery in set pieces. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Arsenal have scored 31 goals from corners in the Premier League - at least 11 more than any other side. And today it was also the case but with a bit controversy as it will be argued that Saliba pushed keeper Bayindir before the goal. But VAR never reacted and Calafiori gave the Gunners a much needed win to start the season: 0-1.

It was great game in terms of dynamics, aggressiveness, pressure and desire, but there were a few really great chances. Manchester supporters saw a much better United team, especially in attack. Mbeumo and Cunha will really make a difference even without Benjamin Sesko (who came on as a sub) and when he starts from the first minute, it will be a fearsome trio. Arsenal has the best defense in England and yet they were really tested throughout these 90 minutes. United deserved at least a point but football doesn’t work that way. The Gunners will be happy with a tough win in hostail environment and have their defense to thank for this, but Arteta won’t be pleased in the locker room. His players have been under great pressure for pretty much whole game and they were pressured by two players really – Mbeumo and Cunha. If the Red Devils continue to play like this in the other games during the season, they will win a lot of games. Unlike Sesko, who was on the bench from the start, Victor Gyokeres started the match for the Gunners but didn't impress at all, even thou he played in England before. It was worrying at times when the trio of De Ligt, Shaw and Yoro kept him at bay easily for an hour, before he was substituted.

Basically the first chance in this game ended with a goal. It was a free kick by Arsenal and the Gunners did what they do best – score from set pieces. Rice’s pass was perfect but Bayindir didn’t react well under a pressure from Saliba and Calafiori finishes it on the line. Everything which happened after the goal came from Manchester. First it was Raya who had his one blunder per game as he tried get rid of the ball but Cunha sassed him and it nearly ended with a penalty. Then it was Dorgu who came from the left and decided to take a shot instead of crossing. It was an almost perfect ball as it came just off the post. Then it was time for Raya but this time not for creating chances for the opposition but rather saving his own goal. Cunha took a shot in the 39th minute and it was the Spaniard who managed somehow to tip the ball and send it to corner.

Second half was far less interesting in terms of real chances but the hosts were playing with desire and aggressiveness and it looked really exciting. The only real chances came again from Mbeumo, who’s header from Dorgu was destined for goal but Raya was there to divert the ball to the corner and from Saka. Arsenal’s winger could have finished the game in injury time but De Ligt got across to make a block that sent it over the crossbar. It’s a defeat but United fans should be happy.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Liverpool - Bournemouth 4-2 (1-0)

/Ekitike 37, Gakpo 49, Chiesa 88, Salah 90+4 - Semenyo 64,76/

Saturday

Aston Villa - Newcastle 0-0

Brighton - Fulham 1-1 (0-0)

/O'Riley 55 pen - Muniz 90+6/

Sunderland - West Ham 3-0 (0-0)

/Mayenda 61, Ballard 73, Isidor 90+2/

Tottenham - Burnley 3-0 (1-0)

/Richarlison 10,60 Johnson 66/

Wolverhampton - Manchester City 0-4 (0-2)

/Haaland 34,61 Reijnders 37, Cherki 81/

Sunday

Chelsea - Crystal Palace 0-0

Nott.Forest - Brentford 3-1 (3-0)

/Wood 5, 45+2, Ndoye 42 - Thiago 78(p)

Man.Utd. - Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)

/Calafiori 13/

Monday

22.00: (2.50) Leeds (3.25) Everton (2.90)

***odds are subject to change***