Greg . 1 day ago

Arsenal hold on after early goal to claim narrow win over dominant Manchester United

Arsenal secured a fourth successive opening day victory in the Premier League (PL), and just a third in 18 top-flight visits to Old Trafford, as they saw off Manchester United 1-0.

Hope filled the air at a sun-kissed Old Trafford, with the hosts desperate to put their worst season of the PL era behind them while Arsenal set out on yet another title chase.

Roared on by the Stretford End, It was United who flew out of the traps, stringing together some promising moves, albeit without threatening David Raya.

At the other end, Turkish international Altay Bayindir – deputising for Andre Onana – spectacularly failed his first test of the campaign, as he could only flap at Declan Rice’s inswinging corner.

That error redirected the ball to the back post, where Riccardo Calafiori nodded home from point-blank range to put the Gunners ahead.

That marked the 12th successive league trip to Old Trafford in which Arsenal have scored, and the goal helped Mikel Arteta’s men settle into the contest.

Further chances came at a premium, but once the hosts found their feet, they showcased the danger they possess.

One of several high-profile summer acquisitions, United winger Bryan Mbeumo saw an effort deflected wide, before Patrick Dorgu rifled a low drive against the base of the post, while Mbeumo’s fellow new boy Matheus Cunha forced Raya into a pair of saves, as the visitors held on to preserve their slender lead at the break.

The game followed a similar pattern after the restart, with United showing plenty of promise but not yielding clear-cut chances to show for their efforts.

Cunha and Mbeumo continued to lead the charge, with the latter directing an improvised bicycle kick wide of the target after an incredible drive forward from the former.

Mbeumo came much closer with a bullet header from a deflected Dorgu cross on 74 minutes, but Raya leapt across his line to make a terrific save and deny the Cameroonian a debut goal.

United’s pressure dissipated in the final 10 minutes as Arsenal gained a foothold on proceedings, and their astute defensive work meant that the hosts were unable to salvage anything from this contest.

With the Gunners’ 100th successive top-flight campaign off to a winning start, they have now extended their unbeaten away run in the league to 15 matches.

As for Ruben Amorim’s men, this performance compared favourably to much of last season, despite them failing to score for the fourth time in five PL home games.

Betopick Man of the Match: Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)Click here for more on the match