Gary Neville says Arsenal man ‘couldn’t have been any worse’ in their Premier League opener

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Arsenal won their first game of the season as they saw out a 1-0 win away at Old Trafford against a strong-looking Manchester United team.

Manchester United impressed at Old Trafford, with new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looking strong.

But ultimately, Riccardo Calafiori’s header proved to be the difference between the two sides, despite the Red Devils looking better.

Arsenal weren’t at their best against United, and one of their players had a particularly tough afternoon in the opening game of the season.

Gary Neville slams Declan Rice’s performance vs Man United

Gary Neville has slammed Declan Rice’s performance against Manchester United, despite the Gunners winning 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim will have walked away from the match wondering how his side failed to get anything from the match, having had more possession and shots.

Martin Keown backs Arsenal to win the Premier League after Arteta’s team managed to grind out an impressive win over the Red Devils.

Arsenal were far from their best at Old Trafford, with Rice particularly struggling in the middle of the park, and Neville has been rather critical of him.

Neville told Sky Sports MNF: “I think they’ve definitely improved themselves. I wasn’t negative about Gyokeres at all yesterday – in fact, I saw some positives in his performance.

“De Ligt had a fantastic match against him overall, though there were moments when he looked a little uncomfortable and had to wrestle with him. Still, I believe Gyokeres will do well for Arsenal.

“Zubimendi didn’t have his best game yesterday, but I’m confident he’ll settle in. Declan Rice couldn’t have been any worse on the day.

“I think Arsenal have the right material in place; they just need to sort out that forward area of the pitch, and I believe Gyokeres can be the one to help with that.”

Rice failed to win a single duel against the Red Devils and managed just 32 touches in what was a tough afternoon for the 26-year-old.

Martin Zubimendi looked positive alongside him, though, and Martin Odegaard also produced a promising performance.

Gary Neville assesses Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal debut

Gyokeres seemed to struggle against Man United, but Neville has backed the new Arsenal signing to come good eventually.

Rio Ferdinand also claims Gyokeres needs time to settle into English football, but there is a sense that the 27-year-old is exactly the presence the Gunners needed up top.

Neville claimed: “I thought he made some runs, I didn’t think he was found at times, and they didn’t play passes into him, more crosses into him that suited him.

“I thought he caused De Ligt problems in moments in the game. I think he’ll cause massive issues; he’s what Arsenal need up there.

“Was he brilliant yesterday? No, but I saw things that it was just his first Premier League game, away at Old Trafford, going to Manchester United, it’s tough.

“It’s hard work to go up to Manchester and Liverpool and win. Thierry Henry used to come to Old Trafford and not get a kick. I thought he did alright.”