Arsenal took on Manchester United at Old Trafford in their opening Premier League game of the season.
Mikel Arteta handed a debut to new £63m signing Viktor Gyokeres in attack, whilst Riccardo Calafiori was preferred to Myles Lewis-Skelly at left back.
Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute when Declan Rice’s dangerous corner caused United’s defence all sorts of problems and Calafiori was there to head in the opener.
The Gunners were resolute with their defending despite United dominating most of the game, it is three points to start the new campaign.
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Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United
Riccardo Calafiori
It would have been a tough decision from Arteta to include Calafiori over Lewis-Skelly at left back given the youngster’s incredible impact last season.
However, Calafiori was Arsenal’s best player in the first half and the only one that really stood up to the high intensity that United brought to the game.
He was strong in his defending, composed on the ball and of course, rounded it off with a goal at the back post to give his side the lead.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United
William Saliba
William Saliba is usually a reliable figure of composure and strength at the back for Arsenal and a foundation for the team’s success.
However, Arsenal fans were furious with Saliba in an uncharacteristic sloppy performance, particularly in the first half.
The French defender lost his aerial battles, lost possession in dangerous areas on occasions and was second in many of his duels.
It is the first game of a long season, however, Arteta will be hoping it was just a blip from his colossal defender and nothing to do with his mindset over his future at the club.
Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior was sent the biggest message yet regarding his Arsenal future as the defender was left out of Arteta’s squad altogether for the match.
Kiwior is keen to leave Arsenal amid fears that he won’t be given the necessary playing time this season and being left out of the first squad has backed up those worries.
He was magnificent for the Gunners at the end of last season as a replacement for Gabriel Magalhaes and it is understood that Arteta is still keen to keep him in North London.
However, with Arsenal still wanting to add an attacking option before the window closes, player sales are crucial to that and it is now increasingly likely Kiwior will depart before September 1st.
Viktor Gyokeres
There are not many more challenging debuts in the Premier League than travelling to Old Trafford with a rejuvenated Manchester United side.
Arsenal fans will have no complaints over the work rate and endeavour of Gyokeres and he gave Matthijs de Ligt a real battle.
However, whenever there was a slight glimpse at goal, the Swede lacked a little bit of composure and was subsequently substituted on the hour mark.
The 27-year-old is still finding his feet after a disrupted pre-season and he will feel that his first goal in the league is only round the corner.
Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi has impressed in pre-season since his summer arrival from Real Sociedad, however, it is fair to say the 26-year-old struggled in his first taste of Premier League action.
The Spaniard seemed to struggle with the pace and ferocity of the game, he was caught out of position on a number of occasions in the first in particular.
Arsenal were expected to dominate the midfield battle, however, Zubimendi looked rushed in his decision making on the ball and was very lucky with one particular defensive mistake.
He thrashed at the ball from a cross and sliced the ball towards his own goal which nearly allowed Manchester United to equalise.
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