Arsenal edged past Manchester United with a slender 1-0 win at Old Trafford, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s defining strike in the 13th minute.
The Italian defender’s composed finish ultimately proved the difference in a competition where both teams created chances but failed to convert them into goals.
The Gunners struck early when Calafiori, venturing forward from defense, latched on to a loose ball in the United box and slotted home with precision. The goal stunned the home crowd and gave Arsenal the upper hand in a high-intensity clash between two of English football’s biggest rivals.
Manchester United responded positively, with Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo all testing the visitors’ defense. Dorgu’s darting run from the left forced David Raya into action, while Cunha’s strike from the edge of the area narrowly missed the target. Mbuemo also came close with a curling effort that had the Arsenal goalkeeper scrambling. Despite their persistence, United were unable to find the breakthrough.
Arsenal, on the other hand, looked compact and composed, with Declan Rice and Martin degaard controlling the tempo in midfield. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli threatened on the wings, keeping United’s backline alert throughout. While the Gunners did not create a flurry of chances after the opening goal, their defensive discipline ensured they protected their lead until the final whistle.
This win adds to Arsenal’s reputation as one of the most consistent Premier League teams in recent years. They have finished as runners-up in the last three seasons, pushing Manchester City close but falling just short of silverware. Since Mikel Arteta took charge in 2019, the Gunners have only lifted one trophy — the FA Cup. With the acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres, a natural No.9 who is expected to add cutting edge to their attack, the expectations on Arteta have never been higher. Supporters will hope this is finally the season where consistency is rewarded with the ultimate prize — the Premier League title.
For Manchester United, the result is another reminder of the long road ahead under manager Ruben Amorim. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2012, the club has struggled to regain its identity, with several managerial changes failing to restore the glory years. Last season’s 15th-place finish was their lowest in the Premier League era, leaving Amorim with the difficult task of rebuilding both confidence and results. While signs of improvement are visible in their attacking play, their defensive frailties and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal continue to cost them dearly.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford reflected both frustration and hope. The fans rallied behind their team throughout, but the disappointment was evident as the final whistle confirmed another setback. United will need to regroup quickly to prevent the season from slipping away.
For Arsenal, however, the victory is another step in their pursuit of the title. If they can maintain their consistency and turn narrow wins like this into momentum, they might finally be able to translate their progress under Arteta into long-awaited silverware.
