Arsenal's Stunning Victory Over Manchester United Reveals Three Game-Changing Insights
The opening matchday of the 2025–26 Premier League season is almost complete after Arsenal secured a narrow 1–0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
This legendary fixture was revived on Sunday afternoon with an electric atmosphere providing the soundtrack to the weekend's marquee encounter. Arsenal took the lead in the opening period through Riccardo Calafiori's strike. However, throughout most of the contest, Man Utd controlled proceedings. The Red Devils dominated possession, appeared more threatening going forward, and registered 22 attempts on goal. Despite this, they couldn't find an equalizer with seven efforts hitting the target.
Ultimately, Arsenal will gladly accept the victory considering their historical difficulties at Old Trafford—although not during Mikel Arteta's tenure—but their overall display requires enhancement. A match that anticipated excitement with Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres facing off produced only a single goal from 31 total attempts.
For Man Utd, this showing demonstrates the potential danger this squad possesses. However, they must combine all elements to address any lingering disappointment from last season's 15th-place campaign.
Arsenal Must Improve...Fast
Considerable attention has focused on Arsenal's challenging season opener, featuring matches against Man Utd, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester City in their opening six encounters.
They've secured three points and maintained a clean sheet, yet the players left much room for improvement. Man Utd appeared more organized tactically, comfortable within their formation and adept at advancing possession for the majority of the encounter. Too frequently, Man Utd's wing-backs found space to receive passes as overlapping runs and cutting movements created threats. A more clinical side, or Man Utd on a different day at Old Trafford, might have capitalized.
Viktor Gyökeres couldn't register a single attempt in his first appearance. Kai Havertz, though familiar in many aspects, offered greater width, superior aerial ability and improved combination play during the second period. Arsenal failed to create opportunities for the Swedish striker, partly due to their limited possession. They weren't menacing in transition, struggling to find space and occupy threatening positions.
Naturally, they maintained their set-piece dominance which proved beneficial today considering Man Utd's weakness in this area last campaign. Without Altay Bayındır's poor handling, points might have been lost at the outset.
The Gunners cannot afford a gradual start given the upcoming fixtures and challenging opponents arriving rapidly. A crucial training week lies ahead.
Man Utd Must Decide Their Focus Before Transfer Window Shuts
Goalkeeper, or midfield?
Ruben Amorim regularly emphasized having a complete summer with his squad to implement tactics and instructions. This was evident during portions of the Premier League Summer Series, yet this remains an unfinished roster. Bayındır's expensive mistake cost points today, while they also lack midfield stability.
Amorim excluded André Onana today despite the Cameroonian being available. He missed preseason integration with the team, but the goalkeeper position has remained problematic since David de Gea's departure under Erik ten Hag. Onana might feature next week, according to Amorim, but it seems clear that changing between the posts is prioritized given connections to Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martínez.
In midfield, Man Utd possess abundant attacking choices with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško, Amad Diallo and Mason Mount's unexpected return. While Diallo can operate wide as a wing-back, Fernandes has functioned as both a 10 and 8 in this setup. This approach worked today largely because they controlled the middle third, but links to Carlos Baleba suggest Amorim seeks to strengthen his pivot.
Where should they invest? They must choose before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.
Which Shiny Striker Signing Gets Going First?
Both Šeško and Gyökeres found it difficult to make a meaningful impact on Sunday afternoon. The former mainly due to his late second-half introduction, the latter appearing unsettled following a disrupted preseason.
These two acquisitions will probably be compared for considerable time given both clubs' reported interest in each player, but who finds form first?
The Slovenian and Swede must both adjust to the league and their respective team systems. On paper, Šeško appears more likely to enjoy an easier transition. Šeško looked more energetic of the pair today, yet struggled against Gabriel and William Saliba. This partly reflects the stadium atmosphere and chasing the game, but Amorim noted during preseason that the Red Devils often lacked a focal point up front. Šeško should easily fill this role with his physicality and technical skills as Man Utd attack through Mbeumo, Cunha, Diallo, Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu.
For Gyökeres, Arsenal provided little assistance with their midfield absence. Man Utd's packed center made it challenging for the Gunners to play through, restricting the Swede to wider movements where he encountered strong resistance from Matthijs de Ligt. Arsenal also failed to deliver decisive passes with Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard wasteful at times. Arsenal must improve and show greater commitment to utilizing their new striker. Matches where the Gunners enjoy more midfield dominance should benefit Gyökeres as he seeks to exploit channels and finish through balls. However, they must develop consistency in delivering those passes.
Both will likely start their next outings with Man Utd visiting Fulham and Arsenal welcoming Leeds. Don't be surprised if they perform better next time and potentially find the net.