Calafiori's Stunning Header Delivers Arsenal Victory Over Manchester United in Thrilling 1-0 Battle
Arsenal began their 2025–26 Premier League season with a narrow 1–0 victory over Manchester United, though Mikel Arteta's team delivered a less than impressive display.
The stadium atmosphere was buzzing from kickoff as United dominated the opening exchanges—Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo caused problems along the left and right wings respectively.
Going against the flow of play and from their opening set piece opportunity, Arsenal found the net through Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender nodded home from close range after United keeper Altay Bayındır, deputizing for regular number one André Onana, couldn't handle Declan Rice's curling corner kick while being pressured by William Saliba.
United maintained their high pressing game and organized midfield structure. Arsenal struggled to establish any flow or attacking patterns while appearing sluggish in possession at moments. Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo threatened the goal, pushing David Raya to produce crucial stops to prevent a leveler.
Ruben Amorim, regardless of the scoreline, would have been pleased with his team's display heading into halftime. Mikel Arteta, despite leading by one goal, was probably frustrated with Arsenal's showing. Early in the second period, the Portuguese manager made his first substitution, introducing Amad Diallo for Diogo Dalot. His opposite number responded soon after by bringing on Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. A disappointing day for summer acquisition Viktor Gyökeres who received mocking applause from the home supporters.
More genuine appreciation followed four minutes later when Benjamin Šeško made his debut as a United player. Mbeumo went closest for the Red Devils in the 74th minute with a looping header, but Raya once again produced an excellent save.
Arsenal created limited scoring opportunities for the remainder of the match, while United couldn't find the breakthrough they needed. Three points secured for the Gunners along with a shutout, though hardly a commanding display as their challenging season opener approaches.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Man Utd (4-3-3)
*Ratings provided by Fotmob
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: David Raya | 8.0 |
RB: Ben White | 7.4 |
CB: William Saliba | 7.3 |
CB: Gabriel Magalhães | 6.8 |
LB: Riccardo Calafiori | 7.9 |
CM: Martin Ødegaard | 7.7 |
CM: Declan Rice | 6.2 |
CM: Martín Zubimendi | 7.0 |
RW: Bukayo Saka | 6.5 |
ST: Viktor Gyökeres | 5.9 |
LW: Gabriel Martinelli | 6.5 |
SUB: Kai Havertz (60' for Gyökeres) | 6.3 |
SUB: Noni Madueke (60' for Martinelli) | 5.9 |
SUB: Jurriën Timber (71' for White) | 6.1 |
SUB: Myles Lewis-Skelly (71' for Calafiori) | 6.0 |
SUB: Mikel Merino (83' for Rice) | 6.0 |
Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK), Cristhian Mosquera, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard.
Player of the Match: David Raya
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Altay Bayındır; Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw; Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha; Mason Mount.
Subs: Tom Heaton (GK), Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Tyler Fredricson, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Šeško, Joshua Zirkzee.