MANCHESTER, England — In their Premier League season opener, Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, thanks to a crucial mistake from United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir. The match’s only goal came in the 13th minute when Bayindir misjudged a corner from Declan Rice, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to score with a simple header.
Despite dominating large portions of the game, United failed to capitalize on their chances. Manager Ruben Amorim gave full debuts to summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and later introduced Benjamin Sesko in the final 25 minutes. However, the team struggled to find the back of the net.
Arsenal’s Depth Shines Through
Arsenal’s squad depth was evident in the substitutions made by manager Mikel Arteta. The inclusion of players like Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly, along with the recent additions of Jurriën Timber and Mikel Merino, has provided the team with a stronger bench compared to previous seasons.
This depth was vital in the second half, where Arsenal focused more on defense but effectively managed to hold off United’s advances. Although the decision to start Calafiori over Lewis-Skelly surprised some, it proved effective as he contributed significantly to the victory. Arsenal’s performance, while not flawless, was enough to secure the three points as they aim for their first Premier League title since 2004.
Continued Goalkeeping Concerns for United
United’s goalkeeping issues resurfaced following Bayindir’s error, raising questions about the club’s choices. Onana, who was fit enough to start, remained on the bench due to concerns about his match readiness. Bayindir’s blunder came during a crucial moment, and his inability to clear the ball effectively has added fuel to the ongoing debate about whether United needs a new goalkeeper.
While there have been discussions about potential signings, including Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, United’s management has downplayed these speculations. They previously made a loan bid for Emiliano Martínez, which was rejected. With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen if United will prioritize a goalkeeper or focus on strengthening their midfield, especially after the defeat to Arsenal.
Gyökeres Faces Pressure to Perform
Another player under scrutiny is Viktor Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal for €73 million from Sporting CP. Many had anticipated a strong performance, but he failed to make a significant impact during the match. Despite a couple of promising moments, Gyökeres was substituted after an hour without registering a shot on goal, a notable contrast to his previous seasons where he consistently found opportunities.
While it’s premature to judge his potential based on one match, fans will hope to see improvements in his performance in the coming weeks. Arsenal’s conservative tactics may have limited his chances, but the expectation remains high for the forward to deliver on his promise.
As Arsenal celebrates their opening victory, Manchester United looks to regroup ahead of their next fixtures. Amorim’s side has shown promise, but they will need to convert their chances into goals if they hope to compete effectively in the league. With upcoming matches against Fulham and Burnley before facing Manchester City on September 14, 2024, United’s management will be eager to see tangible results from their squad adjustments.
The season is still in its early stages, and both clubs will be looking to find their rhythm as they pursue their respective goals.
