In an exhilarating start to the new Premier League season, Arsenal secured a hard-fought victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, raising questions about their performance amidst their triumph. The match ended in a 1-0 win for the Gunners, a result that left fans both celebrating and contemplating the implications for the remainder of the season.
Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta acknowledged the team’s struggles during the match, emphasizing that it was just the first game of the campaign. His squad faced significant challenges, as they dealt with the integration of new players who are still acclimatizing to the team’s tactics and playing style. Despite displaying moments of uneven play, the ability to grind out a result even when not at their best is a promising sign as Arsenal aspires to secure silverware this season.
Manchester United dominated possession, maintaining 61% and forcing Arsenal’s defense to work diligently, firing off 22 attempts to score. However, the Gunners showed resilience and managed to thwart the home side’s advances, demonstrating that they could withstand intense pressure. At times, Arsenal appeared vulnerable, particularly during the first half, when Arteta was visibly animated from the sidelines, signaling to his players for adjustments.
One of the vital aspects of the match that contributed to Arsenal’s success was set-pieces. The club has significantly honed this area of their game since the appointment of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover in 2021. Riccardo Calafiori, who was pivotal in the match, scored Arsenal’s only goal from a corner, marking the team’s 31st goal from dead-ball situations since the onset of the 2023-24 season. This strategy has proved beneficial and continues to be a crucial weapon in their attacking arsenal.
Arteta’s strategy also involved his new signing, Viktor Gyokeres, who showcased glimpses of his potential yet struggled with match fitness and clinical execution. Despite Arteta’s belief that Gyokeres possesses valuable skills, he pointed out that the forward needs to adapt his game to align with Arsenal’s tactical approach. Gyokeres failed to register any shots during the match, marking a significant turning point in his performance metrics, as it was the first time since April 2023 that he went without making an attempt in a league game.
Equally significant was the performance by goalkeeper David Raya, who earned praise for his stellar display at the back. His ability to make crucial saves under pressure contrasted sharply with the mistakes made by United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, leading to Arteta’s side capitalizing on the singular defensive error that determined the match outcome.
As the post-match analysis unfolded, pundits weighed in on the broader implications of Arsenal’s win. Some saw it as evidence of their potential title challenge. Speaking to BBC Sport, Arteta conveyed a sense of optimism as he recognized the importance of resilience. “That gives you certainly momentum and confidence. Two very important things,” he affirmed during the post-match press conference.
Former players and commentators further remarked on the character demonstrated by Arsenal. Clinton Morrison referred to their ability to secure the win despite subpar performance levels as a testament to champion qualities, asserting that such attributes would be essential in a successful campaign. Gary Neville echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the team showed remarkable grit, especially in an intimidating venue like Old Trafford.
Looking forward, the Arsenal squad will strive to refine their style of play, optimize their set-piece strategies, and foster better cohesion among new and established players alike, all while building on the confidence gained from their hard-fought victory over Manchester United.
