Gooner's Verdict: Manchester United 0 - Arsenal 1

As far as I am concerned, Matches against the traditional "Big 6" clubs, especially away, have always been more about picking up points rather than performances. Of course, I always want to destroy Manchester United given our history against them, but history has shown that simply doesn't happen for Arsenal against Manchester United. They frustratingly always seem to play well against us and exploit our weaknesses. This match was much of the same; however, we still found a way to get the win with Calafiori's headed goal in the 12th minute from Declan Rice's corner. A result that I can certainly live with, and a win that saw our unbeaten streak against Man United extended to six games for the first time ever.

A quick view online reveals a lot of concern and frustration with the performance, but I can appreciate that none of the team's expected to compete for the title were at their best this weekend...because it's game one. Arsenal had the most challenging opening game of any team, playing a Man U team that had pressure to show significant improvement from last season, which they did. Which is another reason I am even more content with the 3 points because they played well, at home, in a charged-up atmosphere, and have zero points to show for it. How many times can we relate to that experience as Arsenal fans? Showing encouraging signs, dominant football, but we can't get over the line?

After we scored, I checked the possession statistics, and it was 69% to 31% in Man United's favour. If that isn't an Arsenal stat reflecting dominant possession before conceding a goal, then I don't know what is. This time, we were on the other side, the winning side. In his interview on CSB after the match, Arteta said:

"Title winners —-always win even when it’s a bit ugly".

That's what Manchester City have done over and over in their title winning seasons, and something Liverpool did last season to win. Seemingly, no matter the performance, they found a way to get points, and that is what matters against most from a title-challenging and point-collecting perspective.

Now, in terms of our performance, we may not have been sharp in attack, but we showed heart in defense and the solidity that has carried us for the last 4 years. There is nothing wrong with relying on a strength. The team's resilience and collective commitment in realizing that it was not their day on offense, but they were not going to concede a goal, was commendable and is also a characteristic of champions. There is no doubt that there is still a lot to be desired from Arteta’s coaching in terms of an attacking style of play, but he’s no doubt an exceptional defensive coach.

I am reluctant to bring focus to Gyokeres' performance more than is needed, given it’s his first official game of the season. He looked like a player who is still adapting to a new league, physically, new teammates, and a style of play. The best thing I can say is that he made smart runs, tried to ignite counterattacks, and attacked Man United's back line to keep them honest and provide an option to his teammates. Unfortunately, his teammates rarely found him. It will take time for everyone to adjust to playing at a faster tempo and being a quicker threat in transition, but I view it as an encouraging sign that they were trying it from match one. Improving the passing, making smarter runs, and building a can all be improved on the training pitch. It will all be for nothing if you don't try to execute what you have practiced, and I have no doubt that the team will improve in that department.

Arsenal were not at their best in the first game of the season away at Old Trafford. Yeah, So? This is one of the times you’d rather be lucky than good. Despite Manchester United’s good performance on the day, Arsenal left with three points, a clean sheet, and crossed one of the hardest away matches on the schedule.

That sounds like something title contenders do to me.