Arsenal kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, securing their fourth consecutive opening-day triumph and only their third league victory at the Theatre of Dreams in 18 attempts.
The atmosphere was electric under the Manchester sun, with United eager to erase memories of last season’s struggles and Arsenal determined to mount another title challenge.
Spurred on by the Stretford End, United started brightly, moving the ball with intent but failing to trouble David Raya in goal.
At the other end, stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayındır, deputising for the absent André Onana, endured a nightmare moment. He misjudged Declan Rice’s inswinging corner, allowing the ball to reach the far post where Riccardo Calafiori pounced to head home from close range, giving the Gunners the advantage.
That strike extended Arsenal’s remarkable run of scoring in 12 consecutive league visits to Old Trafford and allowed Mikel Arteta’s men to settle into the contest.
United eventually found their rhythm, with new signing Bryan Mbeumo seeing an effort deflected wide and Patrick Dorgu rattling the post with a low drive. Matheus Cunha also tested Raya twice, but Arsenal’s defence stood firm to preserve their lead at the break.
After half-time, the hosts continued to push forward. Cunha’s surging run set up Mbeumo, whose bicycle kick flew just wide, before the Cameroonian winger went close again with a powerful header from Dorgu’s deflected cross. Raya, however, produced a stunning save to deny him an equaliser.
As the clock ticked down, United’s pressure waned, and Arsenal’s disciplined defending saw them safely across the finish line.
The result not only marks the start of Arsenal’s centenary top-flight campaign with a victory but also extends their unbeaten league run on the road to 15 matches.
For United, Ruben Amorim’s side showed flashes of promise with their new-look attack but were left frustrated by their failure to score in four of their last five league home games.
Arsenal Edge Manchester United At Old Trafford To Open Premier League Campaign With Victory
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