Arsenal opened their Premier League 2025/26 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, punishing the Red Devils’ defensive lapses.

The decisive moment came in the first half when Declan Rice’s corner caused chaos, and United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failed to deal with the delivery under pressure from William Saliba. New signing Riccardo Calafiori reacted quickest, nodding the ball over the line to hand Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal the lead.

Despite enjoying long spells of possession and attacking pressure, Manchester United lacked the finishing touch. New arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha impressed, with Cunha striking the post and testing David Raya, but the breakthrough never came. Substitute Benjamin Sesko also failed to change the outcome.

Arsenal, meanwhile, showed resilience. Though they struggled for attacking fluency, Arteta’s men relied on defensive organisation and the depth of their bench. Debutants Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi endured difficult starts, but the introductions of Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke helped steady the performance and secure the three points.

The result hands Manchester United their first Premier League defeat of the season, while Arsenal begin with a crucial away win at a direct rival.