Arsenal opened the 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on 17 August. Left-back Riccardo Calafiori headed in Declan Rice’s corner in the 13th minute after stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failed to clear the delivery. It was Arsenal’s 31st league goal from a corner since the start of the 2023-24 season, highlighting the club’s continued effectiveness on set pieces. United controlled 61% of possession, generated 22 shots—seven on target—and posted an expected-goals figure of 1.59, yet were thwarted by David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper made seven saves to secure a clean sheet and the player-of-the-match award. Debutants Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were United’s main threats, while £90 million signing Benjamin Sesko entered as a substitute. Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyökeres failed to register a shot before being withdrawn after an hour. Manager Ruben Amorim left first-choice goalkeeper André Onana and striker Rasmus Højlund out of the squad, the latter amid discussions over a potential exit. "We proved we can win any game," Amorim said after the defeat. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his side’s resilience as the Gunners extended an away unbeaten league run that dates to November 2024. The result gives Arsenal early momentum in their bid to convert three consecutive runner-up finishes into a title, while United—15th last season—face renewed scrutiny of their goalkeeping depth and finishing ahead of next week’s trip to Fulham.