Welcome back, Gooners! The new season is finally upon us, and what a start it’s been. After a preseason filled with hope and the excitement of new faces, all eyes were on Old Trafford for the opening Premier League fixture against Manchester United. And the lads did not disappoint, grinding out a crucial 1-0 victory to kick off the campaign.
The game wasn’t a classic attacking masterclass, but it was a testament to the team's grit and new-found resilience. While new signings like Gyökeres and Zubimendi are expected to light up the league, it was a familiar face who delivered the winner. A brilliant Declan Rice corner found the head of Riccardo Calafiori, whose effort was enough to secure all three points. In his post-match interview, Mikel Arteta acknowledged the team's performance wasn't flawless, but he was delighted with the spirit shown. This echoed comments from the players, with David Raya admitting, "We weren't at our best with the ball," highlighting that this was a win born from hard work, not pure dominance.
This hard-fought win has sparked a fascinating debate among fans and pundits. While the Gooners on Reddit are celebrating a win at a notoriously difficult ground, a number of pundits have been less convinced by the performance itself. The likes of Gary Neville suggested that United were the "better team" on the day. But for us, this result feels different. It shows a new side to this Arsenal squad—the ability to win when not playing at their peak. That mental fortitude is what champions are made of, and it’s a massive step forward for the team's mentality.
With the first three points in the bag, the focus now shifts to our next challenge. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and put on a more dominant display in front of the home crowd at Emirates Stadium. This win sets the stage perfectly for what promises to be a thrilling season, and it's a statement that Arsenal mean business from the very first whistle. The season has officially begun.
Image Credits https://www.arsenal.com/news/gallery-39-photos-our-opening-weekend-win