Arsenal lean on set-piece strength to punish wasteful United

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Arsenal began their Premier League season with a 1-0 win at Manchester United as Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half header punished a mistake from goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Italian defender struck in the 13th minute when Bayindir failed to deal with a corner, allowing Calafiori to nod in from close range. It was Arsenal’s 31st league goal from a corner since the start of the 2023-24 campaign — more than any other side.

United, under Rúben Amorim, created the better chances throughout. Matheus Cunha forced several saves from David Raya, Bryan Mbeumo saw a powerful header pushed away, and Patrick Dorgu hit the post. The hosts had 22 shots to Arsenal’s nine but could not find a breakthrough. The Gunners struggled for rhythm and new signing Viktor Gyökeres had a quiet debut before being replaced early in the second half. 

“We have to be humble about how we scored,” said Mikel Arteta. “The game is won in both boxes, and that’s what we did today.”

Amorim was encouraged despite the defeat. “I’m really proud of the guys,” he said. “They were brave and we deserved a different result. But this was completely different to last season.”

The final whistle brought frustration for United, while Arsenal fans celebrated another tight but significant win at Old Trafford.