Match Report: Arsenal Claim Gritty 1-0 Win at Old Trafford – Calafiori Strikes, Raya Rescues

Arsenal kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17. Riccardo Calafiori’s 13th-minute header sealed the win, but it was David Raya’s brilliance between the posts that preserved the Gunners’ lead against waves of United pressure.

Calafiori’s early header secures opening victory

The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Calafiori rose to meet Declan Rice’s corner. United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, deputising for the absent André Onana, failed to clear effectively, allowing the Italian defender to nod home his first Premier League goal (Reuters).

United nearly hit back immediately. Patrick Dorgu struck the post with a thunderous effort, while £62.5m debutant Matheus Cunha twice forced saves from Raya. Bryan Mbeumo added direct running on the flank, unsettling Arsenal’s defence throughout the half.

Raya’s saves keep Arsenal in front

Despite conceding possession—United had 61% of the ball and 22 shots compared to Arsenal’s 9—the Gunners held firm. Raya produced two standout saves: a fingertip stop to deny Bruno Fernandes’ curling free-kick, and a superb low block from Mbeumo just before half-time.

Rice and Martin Ødegaard tried to relieve the pressure with long-range efforts, but Arsenal created little going forward after their opener.

Match analysis: Arsenal bend but don’t break

This contest highlighted Arsenal’s adaptability and resilience. Mikel Arteta’s side, often praised for their possession-based approach, were forced to sacrifice control and instead rely on compact defending and opportunistic moments.

• Arsenal’s pragmatism: Just 38.9% possession, no shots on target after the break, yet ruthless from a set piece and defensively resilient.
• United’s intent: Rúben Amorim’s new-look frontline of Cunha, Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko showed promise, but lacked a finishing edge.
• Key battle: Raya vs. United’s attack. The Spaniard’s saves defined the game and earned him multiple Player of the Match awards.

In short, the Gunners  bent under United’s pressure but never broke—showing a level of maturity that could prove vital in a title race.

Player of the match: David Raya

While Calafiori provided the match-winning goal, it was Raya’s goalkeeping heroics that defined the result. His reflex saves and calm presence under pressure ensured Arsenal left Old Trafford with a clean sheet and a vital away victory.

David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, also received the Player of the Match accolade from Sports Illustrated, praised for his series of crucial saves that preserved the lead despite United’s dominance for long stretches. NBC Sports likewise named him man of the match for seven vital saves.

While Riccardo Calafiori was the match-winner—heading in the decisive goal from a corner—he did not receive the Player of the Match award. Even so, his goal was pivotal in delivering all three points.

Match Report Summary

• Score: Manchester United 0–1 Arsenal

• Goal: Riccardo Calafiori (13’)

• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

• Date: August 17, 2025

• Player of the Match: David Raya – seven vital saves under pressure

Post-match reaction

David Raya, who was named Player of the Match, reflected on the victory and admitted that while the result was positive, the performance still left room for improvement.

“It’s a great start in terms of points,” Raya told club media.

“Coming to Old Trafford, getting three points and a clean sheet is massive. But we know it wasn’t good enough with the ball — we made too many mistakes, so there’s a lot to improve. Still, I’m happy with the three points and the clean sheet.”

The goalkeeper also praised the team’s collective spirit in the face of United’s relentless pressure:

“That’s the willingness, the fight, the spirit we have altogether. When things aren’t going our way and mistakes happen, everyone sprints back to help recover the ball. In the last 10-15 minutes, they threw everything at us, but we defended really well. Credit to the team.”

Arsenal will look to build on this opening-day win when they face Leeds United on Saturday, aiming to make it two victories from two in the Premier League. Source: Arsenal Club Media

Full fixture details via PremierLeague.com

Gary Neville (pundit):

“Arsenal really dug in. They showed a lot of resilience… To get three points is big for Mikel Arteta.”

Rúben Amorim (Manchester United manager):

“We clearly deserved a different result… The most important thing – we weren’t boring. If we play like this, wins will come.”

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager):

“Massive win. To go in the first fixture at Old Trafford with that atmosphere… our defence was phenomenal” as reported by Sky Sports.

What it means

• For Arsenal: A statement victory away at a tough venue, reinforcing title ambitions.

• For Manchester United: Encouragement in performance, especially from new signings, but the same old issues in front of goal.

Old Trafford win sets the tone for Arsenal’s season

In the end, Arsenal’s victory at Old Trafford was less about dominance and more about discipline. David Raya’s heroics and Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive header embodied a team willing to fight for every inch, even when under siege. For Mikel Arteta, it was the kind of gritty win that turns good sides into champions — a reminder that in a long Premier League campaign, resilience can be just as valuable as brilliance.