Arsenal have made the perfect start to their Premier League season opener at Old Trafford, with Riccardo Calafiori grabbing the first goal of the new campaign for the Gunners. The Italian defender found the back of the net after heading in from a well-delivered Declan Rice corner, but the goal owed just as much to some questionable goalkeeping on the part of Manchester United’s Altay Bayindir.
The Turkish goalkeeper, deputising for the still not fully fit Andre Onana, failed to deal convincingly with the in-swinging set piece from Rice. That mistake allowed Calafiori to attack the ball at the far post, and the former Bologna star made no mistake as he opened his account in English football with an important strike.
For Arsenal, it was just the kind of start they would have hoped for in such a high-profile clash. Scoring early away to Manchester United is never easy, but Calafiori’s composure ensured Mikel Arteta’s men drew first blood. Still, despite going behind, United have shown some signs of danger in the opening stages of the match, meaning Arsenal cannot afford to relax just yet. The game remains finely balanced, with both sides threatening to impose themselves.
The Gunners’ strength from set pieces has been well-documented, and once again they showed how effective they can be in this area of the game. Rice’s delivery was excellent, and Calafiori’s determination to attack the ball highlighted Arsenal’s aerial threat. On the other hand, Bayindir looked far from assured, something that could be a real concern for Ruben Amorim as the match goes on. With Onana still recovering, United fans will be hoping their stand-in goalkeeper can settle into the game quickly.
Interestingly, Calafiori’s presence in the starting lineup was not guaranteed. Many Arsenal supporters expected Myles Lewis-Skelly to continue at left-back after his impressive performances last season. However, Arteta opted for the Italy international, and the decision has already paid off, with Calafiori making an instant impact and silencing any doubts about his inclusion.
For Amorim, though, it could be another frustrating afternoon. After a poor start to life at Manchester United last season, there was pressure on him to deliver improvements following a full pre-season and some notable signings. New arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both been handed starts today, but neither has yet managed to influence proceedings in United’s favour.
While Arsenal fans will be delighted with their strong opening, the real challenge will be holding on to their advantage.
Old Trafford has rarely been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners, and Amorim’s side are expected to mount a response as the game progresses. Still, as things stand, Arsenal’s new season has begun in encouraging fashion, with Calafiori making the headlines.
