Arsenal opened their Premier League campaign with a gutsy win away to old foes Manchester United. It wasn't a pretty performance from Mikel Arteta's side, who will need to see a vast improvement from his players if they're to end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

Despite a shaky start, it was the Gunners who drew first blood in the opening day clash of the titans. Arsenal were handed a helping hand - quite literally - by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, whose flapped clearance fell onto the head of Riccardo Calafiori. However, the title hopefuls were perhaps fortunate to have been ahead at the break, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu all coming close.

But it's defence that wins titles, and while Arsenal were never at their best during any point of the contest, they found a way to keep United out. If the ribbons draped on the Premier League title are red and white at the end of the season, they'll be looking back on this one as a hard-fought three points in Manchester. Express Sport hands out player ratings from Arsenal's first match of the season.

David Raya - 8

Looked the most assured member of the Arsenal defensive pack and got down low to deny Cunha with a splendid first-half save. David Raya showed Bayindir what a commanding goalkeeper looks like throughout the second half by taking control of his 18-yard box at set pieces. Pulled off another wonderful save to deny Mbeumo late on, cementing his place as the Player of the Match award winner.

Ben White - 6

Favoured over the impressive Jurrien Timber for the right-back spot, Ben White looked comfortable with the ball at his feet, but struggled with the pace going the opposite direction. He was taken off after going down with a knock with 20 minutes left to play.

Gabriel - 5

A significantly better second-half performance compared to his first-half showing, which by Gabriel's lofty standards, was all over the place. The Brazil international would've been thankful for the clean sheet at half-time, with United having knocked on the door.

William Saliba - 6

It was a similar case for Gabriel's partner in crime, William Saliba. The two looked as if they'd never played together at points in the opening 45 minutes. Saliba did grow into the game and was on hand to pull off a crucial block in the dying embers of the match.

Riccardo Calafiori - 7

The Italian was on hand to nod home for what will probably go down as the closest goal scored in this season's Premier League. Riccardo Calafiori looked his ever-assured self with the ball at his feet and was pivotal for the visitors when they had their best spells of possession in the first half. Looked as if he ran out of gas a little bit in the second half and was replaced at the same time as White.

Declan Rice - 7

The beating heart of Arsenal's midfield and comfortably their best outfield player. Declan Rice delivered the cross that caused Bayindir so many problems and was a constant threat from set-piece deliveries throughout the contest. Came close with a free-kick 10 minutes from time that would've wrapped the three points up.

Martin Zubimendi - 4

It was a fast-paced start to life in the Premier League for Martin Zubimendi, who on another day might've found himself on a yellow card inside the first 10 minutes. It seemed to set the tempo for the Spanish midfielder throughout, with Zubimendi struggling to adapt to United's intense attacking play. Needed Mikel Merino by his side to steady the ship.

Martin Odegaard - 6

Saw plenty of the ball, especially when Arsenal had their brightest spells of the game, but looked rusty at times in the final third. Martin Odegaard hasn't quite found himself on the same page as summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, whose runs weren't always spotted by the Norwegian technician.

Bukayo Saka - 6

The most meaningful Bukayo Saka contribution came in added time when the Englishman was denied a certain goal from a last-ditch Matthijs de Ligt tackle. Otherwise, it's unlikely Saka will be looking back on this match with too much fondness.

Viktor Gyokeres - 5

Struggled at times with the physicality of the United centre-backs, but Viktor Gyokeres certainly gave as good as he got. Came close to what would've been a delightful assist midway through the first half, but team-mate Gabriel Martinelli mistimed his acrobatic effort. Perhaps unfairly jeered off the pitch by the United fans, with Gyokeres linked to an Old Trafford switch earlier in the summer. At least they'll get a chance to examine his credentials even further when he lines up in the Champions League for Arsenal later this season.

Gabriel Martinelli - 5

A really quiet and somewhat uninspiring outing for the under-pressure Arsenal winger. Gabriel Martinelli looked isolated at times on the left-hand side, and given Arsenal have been linked to yet another forward addition before the window shuts, the Brazil international will have to up his game if he wants to remain in the starting XI.

Substitutes:

Kai Havertz - 6

Looked much more physical at the tip of Arsenal's attack when he replaced Gyokeres.

Noni Madueke - 6

Would've probably had a debut tap-in with the last kick of the game if not for a Bruno Fernandes interception.

Jurrien Timber - 7

Steadied the Arsenal backline when he came off the bench and helped see the result over the line. Timber probably would've fancied himself from the off today, but was forced to watch on for the majority of the game. Immediately responded when he came off the bench with a sturdy showing at right back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6

It was a similar case for Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose energy on the left helped stunt the threat of Amad and Dorgu.

Mikel Merino - 6

Helped bulk up Arsenal's midfield, which was getting overrun.