Premier League Showdown: Which Rising Star Stole the Spotlight - Gyokeres or Sesko?
Every Manchester United versus Arsenal match is seldom lacking in compelling storylines, and this season-opening Premier League encounter was packed with intriguing narratives.
Arsenal's crucial 2025–26 season began at a venue where they've traditionally found success difficult to come by, facing a revitalized Manchester United side as their challenging opening opponents.
Numerous aspects deserved attention at Old Trafford, with many anticipating an exciting duel between two fresh attacking talents. Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško weren't necessarily the primary striker targets for Arsenal or Manchester United heading into the transfer window, though the Gunners showed particular interest in the Slovenian forward but, unlike the Red Devils, were put off by RB Leipzig's valuation.
Šeško was introduced to the United supporters during their last preseason match of the summer, so his absence from Ruben Amorim's starting eleven on Sunday came as little shock.
Consequently, the anticipated showdown between these two new signings didn't materialize, though both made their English top-flight debuts in such a high-profile encounter.
Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko's Premier League Debut Performances
Mikel Arteta selected newcomer Gyökeres ahead of Kai Havertz at Old Trafford, with the Swedish striker looking to find the net on opening weekend for the fifth straight campaign.
Nevertheless, Arsenal's supposed "final puzzle piece" experienced a difficult afternoon in Manchester, with his hour-long performance featuring several awkward moments. He showed effectiveness in ball retention, withstanding pressure and earning free kicks, but provided little indication that he could transform the Gunners from runners-up to champions.
Arsenal lacked dominance, and Gyökeres' inclusion undoubtedly contributed to their more direct approach, which ultimately allowed Manchester United numerous opportunities when possession changed hands. Gyökeres frequently battled with Matthijs de Ligt and handled the physical contest well, but during the two instances when he broke free to challenge the United defense, poor or heavy touches disappointed.
Ruben Amorim had cautioned his former striker that the Premier League represents an entirely different challenge after his Primeira Liga dominance, and Gyökeres certainly faced a harsh introduction at Old Trafford. He recorded merely 21 touches, nine passes and zero shots. Improvement seems inevitable.
The Swedish forward had been substituted by Havertz before United's towering 6'5 striker made his entrance, with the home team, who controlled much of Sunday's contest, trailing after Riccardo Calafiori's early goal. Amorim's squad found success through wide switches of play and capitalizing on spaces left by Arsenal's wing-backs, yet frequently missed a central presence when crosses came in.
Šeško partnered with fellow newcomers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in United's attacking trio, following Mason Mount's impressive display in a flexible position under England manager Thomas Tuchel's watchful eye. The Slovenian provided United with a clear target man, though he faced one of Europe's most formidable center-back partnerships in William Saliba and Gabriel.
The young striker struggled aerially against the Arsenal pair but showed promising moments. He drifted intelligently and played neat passes wide, creating space on several occasions to connect with United's crosses, despite failing to trouble David Raya.
Arsenal's penalty area became more chaotic following Šeško's introduction, though this might have resulted from United's increasing urgency as time expired.
Honestly, neither striker delivered a standout performance, but United fans will likely feel more optimistic about Sesko's brief appearance. Arsenal, conversely, will probably review the match to determine how to better involve their striker, considering Havertz's active contribution during his substitute appearance.