Arsenal started their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday, capitalizing on a defensive error during a game in which both sides failed to generate a lot of quality attacking chances. The game’s lone goal came after just 13 minutes courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori, who converted after the Gunners’ earned their first corner of the match. The visitors offered a reminder of their set piece prowess after scoring 15 goals off those opportunities in the Premier League last season but Calafiori benefitted from United’s sloppiness in defense, with goalkeeper Altay Bayındir being outmuscled on the play and failing to do much to stop Calafiori’s goal.
Both sides were deeply flawed, perhaps the result of preseason rust, but United were the dominant side with more than 60% possession and upwards of 20 shots in the hopes of scoring an equalizer. The Red Devils seemed imbalanced throughout and lacked quality in their opportunities, though the Gunners’ attacking operation was almost nonexistent in the second half as they did little to extend their lead.
The match offered both teams a chance to introduce their high-profile new signings, the group coming up with a mixed bag. Arsenal’s new No. 9 Viktor Gyokeres took zero shots while United’s Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha were active but ineffective, while the Red Devils’ Benjamin Sesko did not make a huge impact off the bench.