Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, spoiling Ruben Amorim’s first full league outing as United manager.
The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Riccardo Calafiori reacted quickest to nod home from close range after Declan Rice’s corner took a deflection, handing the visitors an early lead they would ultimately defend with resilience.
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United, however, showed plenty of attacking intent as they searched for a way back into the game.
Summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both impressed on debut, while Amorim’s men dominated large spells of possession, finishing with 61.2% of the ball and a superior expected goals tally of 1.59 compared to Arsenal’s 1.05.
Yet, the Gunners stood firm at the back, with goalkeeper David Raya producing a string of crucial saves — seven in total — to deny the hosts an equaliser.
Despite United’s dominance in territory and chances, Amorim’s first competitive Premier League match ended in disappointment, leaving the Portuguese coach with much to ponder ahead of their next fixture away to Fulham next Sunday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be buoyed by a gritty win on the road as they prepare to host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates the following day.
