It is often believed that a team’s opening matches predict how the season will go. While this can sometimes be true, recent research into early fixtures shows that the first six games are largely insignificant in the bigger scheme. In other words, a quick or slow start doesn’t guarantee success or failure. That said, Arsenal’s first three fixtures merit attention: Liverpool away and Manchester United away are two of the most challenging matches in the league. At the same time, even a home game against a newly promoted side (Leeds) is rarely easy. Despite this, Arsenal have earned six points from their initial three games, scoring six goals and conceding only one. By examining these matches more closely—the highlights, the positives, and the weaknesses—we can gain a clearer idea of what to expect from Arsenal after the international break and which players might shape their season. Could this finally be their year?
Manchester United 0 - 1 Arsenal
When the fixtures were first announced, Old Trafford was probably the last place Arsenal fans wanted to see as the opening match. Since 2006, the Gunners had only managed four wins there, each by a narrow 1–0 margin. Facing a rejuvenated United side after a busy summer transfer window, this looked like a daunting start. Yet, Arteta’s team left with a vital win in a game that could easily have gone the other way.
Arsenal scored early, with Riccardo Calafiori heading the ball home after Bayindir failed to deal with Rice’s corner in the 13th minute, showcasing the set-piece threat that has become a hallmark under Arteta. From that point on, however, United took control of most key metrics: possession, shots, and chances created. It was David Raya, putting in a man-of-the-match performance with seven crucial saves, who kept Arsenal ahead.
There was also plenty of focus on Viktor Gyökeres, making his first appearance in English football since his Championship days. It wasn’t a standout debut, but given the circumstances, there was nothing to worry about. Against Manchester United away, a quiet performance from a new striker finding his feet is almost expected.
The online debate after the match was divided. Some criticised Arsenal’s “ugly” football and lack of attacking fluidity, while others praised the calm, disciplined defending under relentless pressure. The real misfortune came in the 73rd minute, when Ben White was forced off with yet another injury, a frustrating blow considering Arsenal’s fitness struggles last season.
It wasn’t a vintage attacking display, nor one where Arsenal controlled the rhythm, but given their historical difficulties at Old Trafford, this was a result to be respected rather than dismissed. United may feel they played better football despite the defeat, but for Arsenal, the takeaway was clear: even when they are not at their best, they can still grind out wins in challenging games. Every team aims to win their first fixture, and Arsenal achieved just that.
Arsenal 5 - 0 Leeds
Any worries Arsenal fans had after the United game quickly disappeared by the final whistle of this one-sided match against Leeds. From the very start, it was clear Arsenal was in complete control, displaying the confidence and composure that Arteta’s side had been building early in the season.
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a composed finish, setting the tone for the match. Madueke impressed in his first start, looking lively and dangerous, providing energy and attacking intent that the team needed. Gyökeres was the star of the show later in the game, scoring twice, including calmly converting a penalty won by 15-year-old senior debutant Max Dowman in an impressive cameo that reaffirmed his quality and role in the team.
Calafiori’s overall attacking display stood out with two assists, while his opposite full-back, Timber, delivered a man-of-the-match performance with a brace and an assist. Odegaard suffered a knock during the game, a reminder that injuries remain a challenge for Arsenal. Later in the second half, Saka also went off with an injury, the team’s second consecutive setback, although the squad’s increased depth gives fans reason to be optimistic about managing these issues.
David Raya kept another clean sheet, though he was barely tested due to Leeds’ lack of quality and Arsenal’s complete dominance. The team’s set-piece ability once again shone through: two corners and a penalty added to the scoreline, underlining an area of strength that has already proved a massive asset for the season.
This 5–0 victory was dominant from start to finish, showcasing quality across all parts of the pitch. The only minor negative was a slow start during the first 25 minutes. Still, Arsenal responded emphatically, scoring five goals and further cementing the growing confidence and momentum that began with the United win. Off the pitch, the unveiling of new signing Eze and the positive atmosphere around the club added to the optimism, giving fans further reason to feel excited about the squad’s depth and potential. Overall, the performance reflected a team increasingly confident in asserting control and provided a strong foundation to carry into the international break.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Arsenal
Arsenal’s trip to Anfield was always going to be one of the toughest tests of the season, with the Gunners entering as clear underdogs, despite what the media were saying beforehand. Historically, Liverpool at home is a near-impenetrable fortress, and this game proved no different. From the start, it was obvious Arsenal would need to work hard to break down Liverpool’s defensive organisation, though their lack of control in the first half gave some opportunities to exploit.
One key issue that became evident by the final whistle was the difficulty in supplying Gyökeres. Even in the recent Leeds game, his first goal came out of nowhere, and his second was from a penalty, highlighting that he still relies heavily on service from the team. Eze’s cameo in this match looked very promising, offering glimpses of creativity and attacking spark that could help resolve these issues in future fixtures.
Injuries continued to disrupt Arsenal’s plans. Saliba sustained another knock, adding to the squad’s ongoing fitness concerns. Odegaard was absent from the starting lineup due to fitness issues, and his absence was felt; his control, passing, and ability to dictate play were clearly missed in a game where Arsenal needed composure and structure in midfield. New signing Cristhian Mosquera fitted in naturally at the back, showing calmness and confidence, and looked like an auspicious addition amidst defensive worries.
The attacking performance left much to be desired. Martinelli struggled to make an impact, while the team found it challenging to break through Liverpool’s lines. On the other flank, Madueke was a bright spark, providing energy and a platform to continue his new chapter. Dowman’s cameo, while not spectacular, was significant in demonstrating Arteta’s trust in the youngster and signalling that he will have a meaningful role in the squad this season. His introduction also raised questions about why Nwaneri wasn’t subbed on; it’s clear Arteta views Nwaneri more as a rotation option for Odegaard’s role in midfield rather than as a direct right-wing replacement.
Post-match comments suggested that Arsenal were not coming to win. While the performance and lack of attacking fluency might have reinforced that perception, it is crucial to contextualise that Anfield is one of the toughest away grounds in the league, and facing Liverpool is no easy feat. The game revealed issues, such as feeding forwards, coping without key midfielders, and injury management, but also showed how Arsenal can approach such games with structure and resilience.
Despite the disappointment, the result shouldn’t overshadow Arsenal’s early-season form. Three matches in, the Gunners have earned six points from nine, including tough fixtures against Manchester United and Leeds. The real test will be how they bounce back against Nottingham Forest after the international break, and whether they can turn last season’s dropped points into victories.
Overall, it was a game with evident negatives, but Arsenal can hold their heads high for competing against a team they have historically struggled with. Defensively, the team has shown impressive consistency, as evidenced by another game where they defended well, and three games in so far demonstrate that this area is a real strength, even if more work is needed elsewhere. Fans should remain calm; it’s early in the season, and sweeping judgments are unnecessary. The foundations of confidence, resilience, and squad depth are being built, and how the team reacts in the upcoming fixtures will determine the actual trajectory of their campaign.
