Gunners gun down Man. United in thrilling clash at Old Trafford
Quick Read
The first half was a tale of near misses for United. Patrick Dorgu’s long-range rocket rattled the post in the 30th minute, while Matheus Cunha twice went close, weaving through Arsenal’s defense but finding Raya unbeatable.
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, thanks to a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori.
Despite relentless pressure from a spirited United side, Arsenal’s resolute defense and David Raya’s heroics in goal secured all three points in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Gunners struck early in the 13th minute when Calafiori rose highest to meet a perfectly whipped corner, planting his header into the right side of the net to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.
United responded with intent, as Bryan Mbeumo tested Raya with a low strike in the 6th minute, only to be denied by a fine save.
The first half was a tale of near misses for United. Patrick Dorgu’s long-range rocket rattled the post in the 30th minute, while Matheus Cunha twice went close, weaving through Arsenal’s defense but finding Raya unbeatable.
Arsenal weren’t without their chances, as Martin Ødegaard’s strike from the edge of the box forced an incredible diving save from United’s goalkeeper in the 35th minute.
The half ended with Arsenal clinging to their slender lead, despite United’s 7 shots to Arsenal’s 4.
The second half saw United pile on the pressure, with Mason Mount’s effort blocked brilliantly in the 49th minute and Bruno Fernandes’ long-range free kick thwarted by Raya’s reflexes in the 57th.
Mbeumo, United’s biggest threat, came agonizingly close twice-first lashing a shot just past the post in the 70th minute, then seeing a towering header stopped by Raya’s stunning save in the 74th.
Amad Diallo’s solo brilliance in the 78th minute nearly leveled the score, but his drive from outside the box was met with yet another heroic stop.
Arsenal had their moments too, with Declan Rice squandering a golden opportunity in the 65th minute, heading over from a pinpoint cross.
A late free kick from Rice in the 83rd minute was blocked by United’s defensive wall, leading to a corner that came to nothing.
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