Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, as summer signing Riccardo Calafiori marked his competitive debut with the decisive goal.
The Gunners, who have finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons, showed their title credentials with a disciplined performance against Erik ten Hag's side who are looking to improve on last season's disappointing 15th-place finish.
Despite Manchester United starting brightly in front of their home crowd, it was Mikel Arteta's men who broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Italian defender Calafiori demonstrated his aerial prowess by reacting quickest to Declan Rice's corner kick, heading home from close range to silence the Old Trafford faithful.
The hosts pushed for an equalizer after the interval, with their best opportunity falling to Bryan Mbeumo whose goal-bound header was expertly saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The Spanish shot-stopper's crucial intervention preserved Arsenal's slender advantage as they held firm to secure all three points.
The victory will boost Arsenal's confidence as they continue their quest to win their first Premier League title since the 2003-2004 'Invincibles' season. For Manchester United, the defeat highlights the challenge ahead as they aim to climb back up the table after last season's struggles.
Arsenal will look to build on this opening day success when they host Leeds United in their next fixture, while Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham as they seek their first points of the new campaign.
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