MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Altay Bayindir of Manchester United fails to save a header which leads to the first goal for Arsenal scored by Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Italy international Riccardo Calafiori is off the mark for the 2025-26, as he claimed Arsenal’s first Premier League goal of the season with the opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The former Bologna centre-back lined up as a starter on the left of Mikel Arteta’s back four, along with Benjamin White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
It was Declan Rice’s corner that provided Calafiori with the opportunity to put Arsenal ahead.
The England international’s delivery was aimed at goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who, under pressure from Saliba, was unable to get a strong hand to the ball, which allowed for Calafiori to bundle home at the far post.
The Italian is now up to three goals from his 20 appearances in the Premier League to date since joining from Bologna last summer.
Watch: Calafiori puts Arsenal 1-0 up against Man United
“A magical Arsenal set piece” 🪄
Riccardo Calfaiori opens the scoring for the Gunners! pic.twitter.com/a1m2uj2cfE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
