“A Big Result” — Arteta Reflects on Arsenal's Win Over Man Utd

Arteta Praises Arsenal's resilience

Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal's resilience in their 1-0 win over Manchester United, despite not playing their best football. Read the full post-match comments.

“When you're not at your standards in certain aspects, which today we weren't, being fair...”

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal's 1-0 win over Manchester United wasn't their best performance, but he was thrilled to take all three points from Old Trafford. Riccardo Calafiori's early header, resulting from a weak challenge by Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on a corner kick, proved to be the decisive factor. Despite Arsenal's shaky display, they withstood intense pressure from Manchester United, showcasing their defensive resilience.

Kicking off our campaign with three huge points ✊ pic.twitter.com/DHNKTWce5f

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2025

“A big, big result coming into the first game of the season. Against (United) at Old Trafford,” Arteta said, emphasizing the magnitude of the win. The team responded well to mistakes, demonstrating character and spirit. Arteta highlighted the importance of adapting set-piece routines to stay unpredictable and praised his team's defensive efforts, saying, “The defence was phenomenal” and “Games are won in both boxes.”

💬 “To win on the first day I think we have to come away happy with the result, and understand that we have to improve in many areas still.”

Mikel's assessment of our 1-0 win over Manchester United 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, saying, “When you feel that they are building something special and momentum with the new signings and they want to kick off the season in a good way and you are able to come away with the win, I'm very happy I'm part of the team.” This sentiment comes after Arsenal's strong start to the season, with the team showcasing their new signings and demonstrating improved tactics.

Kickstarting our campaign with three points ✨

Watch all of the key moments from our 1-0 win over Manchester United 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/oMzNB8WaSU

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2025

Arteta's comments highlight the team's positive momentum, built on the back of significant investment in the close season. Arsenal spent nearly £200 million ($266.30 million) on new signings, aiming to improve their standings after three consecutive second-place finishes. “Arteta said his side... did a couple of things well on Sunday,” demonstrating the team's growth and potential.

The manager's praise for his team's performance underscores the importance of a strong start to the season. With new signings integrating well into the team, Arsenal looks poised to challenge for top honors. Arteta's satisfaction with the team's progress suggests a promising season ahead.

This victory showcases Arsenal's potential, and with upcoming matches against Leeds United, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest, the team seems poised to build on this momentum.

“One, to take the set-piece and then react to especially mistakes,” he said. “Some of them are necessary, some of them unusual. But the way every single player reacted to that gives us the opportunity to win the game. If not, it's impossible. And that's about how we compete and how much we want to take it.”

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal wasn't at their best against Manchester United, but he saw the win as a confidence booster. “When you're not at your standards in certain aspects, which today we weren't, being fair, we can still come away and find a way to win the game,” Arteta said. Despite United's dominance, Arsenal's ability to secure a 1-0 victory showcases the team's resilience and determination.

Arteta's comments highlight the importance of adaptability and grit in securing crucial wins. The manager's satisfaction with the outcome, despite the team's imperfections, demonstrates his focus on progress and results. With Arsenal's sights set on continued success, this win provides valuable momentum as they move forward.

“And the team has to find that resilience throughout the season for 10 months in different contexts to be able to do that.

“Of course, we have to improve a lot of things and that will happen very soon. But in terms of managing to get that into a very positive result, that's a great way to do it.”

Mikel Arteta reflected on Arsenal's 1-0 win over Manchester United, saying, “But overall, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it's a good start.” Despite the team's main summer signing, Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, having a lackluster debut, Arteta focused on the positives of securing a crucial win.

Gyokeres was substituted in the 60th minute, with Arsenal bringing on Kai Havertz. The Swedish striker's performance was criticized by many, with reports highlighting he only touched the ball 21 times, completed 9 passes, and didn't manage a single shot on goal. Some pundits, like Ian Ladyman from the Daily Mail, described Gyokeres' game as “very weak.”

Arteta's comments underscore the importance of winning the opening match, especially against a strong opponent like Manchester United. The victory showcases Arsenal's defensive resilience and set-piece threat, which ultimately led to Riccardo Calafiori's decisive goal. With upcoming matches against Leeds United and Liverpool, Arsenal will look to build on this momentum.