A first half header by Riccardo Calafiori’s was sufficient for Arsenal to defeat Manchester United 1-0 on the Premier League opening weekend
The Old Trafford side had splashed out on three attacking players this summer – Matheus Cuhna, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko – who all made their Man Utd debuts on Super Sunday.
But the game was ultimately decided on a goalkeeping error. Altay Bayindir – deputising for the absent Andre Onana – failed to deal with Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Calafiori to nod home inside 13 minutes.
And David Raya needed to be at his best at the other end to keep out the lively Cunha and Mbeumo, who signed from Wolves and Brentford respectively.
Late in the first half, the Arsenal goalkeeper needed to make a low, one-handed save to fingertip Mbeumo’s latest shot away from danger. Cuhna too had already fired some efforts his way, but were handled well by Raya.
Man Utd continued to probe for a deserved equaliser in the second half, as Arsenal – despite their lead – looked a touch behind their opponents as the game continued.
