Arsenal Player Ratings vs Man Utd: Calafiori Header Secures Gritty Victory

Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd highlight a hard-fought 1-0 win for the Gunners at Old Trafford, where Riccardo Calafiori’s early header proved decisive. As Premier League set-piece kings, Arsenal once again capitalized on their dead-ball prowess, though their overall performance left questions unanswered, especially regarding new signing Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Man Utd: How the Gunners Edged a Tight Encounter

Arsenal’s visit to Manchester United was always destined to be a stern test, and it took just 13 minutes for the deadlock to break. From Declan Rice’s well-delivered corner, United keeper Altay Bayindir failed to deal with the pressure, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to nod home from close range. This was Arsenal’s 31st goal from a corner since the start of last season, underlining their set-piece mastery.

Despite holding the lead, Arsenal’s defense was far from comfortable. United responded with energy, exploiting the spaces left behind Arsenal’s advanced full-backs. Patrick Dorgu came closest for the hosts, rattling the woodwork with a superb long-range effort that could have easily restored parity.

Set-Piece Kings Show Their Strength – But Look Fragile at the Back

The Gunners’ set-piece dominance remains a huge asset, but their vulnerability in defensive transitions was clear throughout. Martin Odegaard had moments of brilliance, testing Bayindir with a deft run and shot, but Arsenal’s midfield struggled to seize control. United’s lively attacks forced David Raya into action, making a crucial fingertip save from Matheus Cunha just before halftime.

Viktor Gyokeres Endures Difficult Debut

All eyes were on £64 million summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swedish striker endured a debut to forget. Largely isolated and unable to impose himself against Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Gyokeres struggled to link up with Arsenal’s creative core and failed to register a meaningful attempt on goal. While first-game nerves are understandable, more is expected from a record signing.

Second-Half Resilience: Arsenal Hold On Under Pressure

After the interval, Arsenal found themselves increasingly on the back foot. United pressed for an equalizer, with Mbeumo’s powerful header forcing Raya into another sharp save. Arsenal’s attacking threat waned, with only a Rice free-kick into the side netting to show for their efforts. The Gunners’ backline, marshaled by Calafiori and William Saliba, held firm despite waves of United pressure.

Man of the Match: David Raya

The fact that David Raya was named man of the match speaks volumes about the flow of the game. The Spanish goalkeeper’s composure and reflexes played a pivotal role in preserving Arsenal’s slender lead, especially in the closing stages as United threw caution to the wind.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Man Utd: Standout Performers and Concerns

– **David Raya (8/10):** Commanded his area and produced two vital saves.
– **Riccardo Calafiori (7.5/10):** Scored the winner and defended with discipline.
– **William Saliba (7/10):** Solid and composed under pressure.
– **Declan Rice (6.5/10):** Provided the set-piece assist but lost midfield battles at times.
– **Martin Odegaard (6/10):** Flashes of quality but struggled to control the tempo.
– **Viktor Gyokeres (5/10):** Anonymous on his debut, needs more support and confidence.

What This Result Means for Arsenal

Securing only their third win at Old Trafford since 2006, Arsenal’s narrow victory provides a vital early boost to their Premier League ambitions. However, the unconvincing nature of the performance suggests there is room for improvement, particularly in midfield control and integrating new signings like Gyokeres. With a hectic schedule ahead, Mikel Arteta will want to see more cohesion and consistency from his team.

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Opinion: A Win to Build On, But Far From Arsenal’s Best

While three points at Old Trafford are always valuable, Arsenal’s display showed lingering vulnerabilities. Their set-piece prowess continues to deliver, but for the Gunners to be genuine title contenders, they must find a way to dominate matches against top opposition and help their new striker settle quickly.