Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, though concerns remain over their attacking fluency.
The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on a mistake by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who misjudged Declan Rice’s corner, allowing the Italian defender to head home at the far post. Despite taking the lead, the Gunners struggled to assert themselves, with United enjoying long spells of pressure but failing to find a breakthrough.
New signing Viktor Gyokeres endured a quiet Premier League debut. The £63.5 million striker was nullified by Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, failing to register a shot before being substituted for Kai Havertz midway through the second half.
However, the Swedish forward will still play a central role this season, with reports from journalist Daniel Kristoffersson confirming that Mikel Arteta has appointed Gyokeres as Arsenal’s primary penalty taker. The decision signals a major change in Arsenal’s set-piece hierarchy, with Gyokeres now ahead of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
The 27-year-old arrives with a flawless record from the spot, having scored 19 out of 19 penalties for Sporting CP during the 2024/25 campaign. His prolific tally of 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal matches further underlines his credentials as one of Europe’s most lethal finishers.
Arsenal’s struggles from 12 yards last season, converting just 41% of their penalties have influenced Arteta’s decision, as he looks to maximise efficiency in high-pressure moments.
While Saka will continue to deliver corners from the right and Odegaard will remain involved in indirect free-kicks, Gyokeres’ appointment cements a clear attacking hierarchy.
The move also reflects Arteta’s broader plan to integrate new signings into central roles, with Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke all expected to be key contributors this season.
Though Gyokeres’ debut lacked fireworks, his composure from the spot could prove decisive as Arsenal target silverware across four competitions: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.
