Man Utd howler gifts Arsenal three points in Premier League opener - 5 talking points

A howler from Altay Bayindir condemned Manchester United to an opening-day defeat and gifted Arsenal three points in their fresh pursuit of the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta's side weren't at their best but did enough to quell the Red Devils, who had an afternoon of deja vu - conceding from a set piece and failing to score.

Arsenal took just 13 minutes to break the deadlock, profiting from Bayindir's error. United's backup goalkeeper, given the nod over the fit-again Andre Onana, flapped at a corner and allowed Riccardo Calafiori a simple tap-in after evading the home defence.

An end-to-end first half saw no more goals, with the visitors in front. United pushed for an equaliser throughout the second 45, as Ruben Amorim introduced Benjmamin Sesko in search of a goal.

But Arsenal held firm to keep pace with Liverpool and Manchester City at this early stage. For the Red Devils, it was a largely positive display but a reminder of how big Amorim's challenge truly is, on a day where he set an unwanted 16-year Premier League record.

Here are five talking points from Old Trafford.

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1. Bayindir bullied

Barring the two debutants for each side, the big talking point when team news was confirmed was the absence of Andre Onana from United's squad. The Cameroonian goalkeeper missed the entirety of pre-season with a hamstring injury but despite being full recovered, Altay Bayindir got the nod.

Ruben Amorim would surely regret his decision when in the 13th minute, Bayindir failed his first test. Declan Rice patiently waited to swing in a corner, increasing the tension among the hosts' defence.

His delivery was right on top of Bayindir and with minimal contact from William Saliba, the Turkey international was shoved out the way and could only get half a punch on the ball. Riccardo Calafiori was lurking at the back post for the simplest finish of his career, as Bayindir's appeals for a foul fell on deaf ears.

2. Raya's world-class save

It was a tale of two goalkeepers in the first half. Although Arsenal boasted the lead at the break, United had fired off double the amount of attempts on goal and hit post through Patrick Dorgu.

The Red Devils were dangerous on the counter attack, with Bryan Mbeumo a constant threat in the channel between Gabriel Magalhaes and Calafiori. But it was Matheus Cunha who forced David Raya into a magnificent save which kept the Gunners ahead just before half-time.

After battling with Rice on the left-hand side of the box, United's new No.10 did well to get a shot off which looked destined to find the net. In a brilliant reaction save, Raya got down to his left and flicked the ball away, leaving Cunha in disbelief.

Arsenal's goalkeeper hadn't been perfect in the first half but did his job when it mattered - just like late on to push away Mbeumo's header. There was much to improve on for the Gunners in the second period but crucially, they had the advantage.

3. Gyokeres' not-so-dream debut

Viktor Gyokeres was always going to be playing at Old Trafford on Sunday, there only question for most of the summer transfer window was on which side? Arsenal won the race for his signature in July and Mikel Arteta will hope that he's still finding his feet after a rusty Premier League debut.

The Swedish striker's first start for Arsenal could be summed up by one moment during the first half. After putting Matthijs de Ligt on the floor with a nonchalant show of strength, Gyokeres immediately gave the ball away in United's box, wasting an attacking opportunity.

On the hour mark, his day was done. Kai Havertz entered the fray alongside new signing Noni Madueke while Amorim handed out his own debut. Enter: Benjamin Sesko.

4. United's new front three on show

After Sesko came on with 25 minutes to go, we got to see United's new-look attack for the first time. Cunha, Mbeumo and the Slovenian striker make up the Red Devil's £207.5million outlay, showcasing where Amorim feels that his team need to improve most.

Cunha and Mbeumo got the crowd off their feet with a number of dribbles and darting runs, although they couldn't deliver the crucial goal. Nor could Sesko, who was given scraps to feed off as United chased a winner, with Harry Maguire brought on to help in both boxes.

Where will Manchester United finish this season? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

5. Arsenal start as they mean to go on

A win and a clean sheet away from home? The ideal start. It certainly wasn't a vintage Arsenal performance, particularly in possession, but they got the job done.

Say that in April and you'd hail it the mark of champions. There's a long way to go this season but the Gunners are up and running, with typically steely defending and a superior goalkeeper making the difference.

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