In other news, Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, it was Riccardo Calafiori who stole the show with a stunning set-piece goal in the 13th minute, securing all three points for the Gunners.
The Match Highlights
- Calafiori’s Goal: The winning goal was scored after Declan Rice whipped in a corner kick that Altay Bayindir failed to collect, allowing Calafiori to nod the ball home.
- Strong Defense: Arsenal’s defense was solid throughout the match, with David Raya making crucial saves to deny Manchester United’s attackers.
- Manchester United’s Struggles: Despite dominating possession, Manchester United struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their attackers unable to capitalize on their opportunities ¹ ².
Post-Match Reactions
- Mikel Arteta: Arsenal’s manager praised his team’s defensive performance, saying, “Massive win. To go in the first fixture at Old Trafford with that atmosphere, the way they are building momentum, with new signings and excitement around it, it’s a great feeling.”
- Ruben Amorim: Manchester United’s manager was disappointed with the result but acknowledged his team’s improved performance, saying, “I’m really proud of the guys. They were really brave in everything they did during the game.”
Player Ratings
- David Raya: The Arsenal goalkeeper was impressive, making crucial saves to deny Manchester United’s attackers. He received a rating of 9/10.
- Matheus Cunha: The Manchester United attacker was instrumental in creating chances for his team, but ultimately couldn’t score. He received a rating of 8/10.
- Riccardo Calafiori: The Arsenal defender scored the winning goal and was solid in defense. He received a rating of 7/10 ³.
