Viktor Gyokeres started Arsenal’s Premier League opener at Manchester United, while Benjamin Sesko began his first league match on the bench.
The two high-profile summer strikers arrived with immediate expectations, but only Gyokeres was selected from the start at Old Trafford.
Gyokeres leads Arsenal’s attack
Mikel Arteta placed Gyokeres between Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal began their campaign.
The visitors went ahead after 13 minutes. Declan Rice delivered a corner, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failed to clear and Riccardo Calafiori headed in.
Arsenal protected that advantage to half-time despite United creating chances through Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Sesko waits for his United debut
Ruben Amorim named Sesko among the substitutes after his move from RB Leipzig. Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana were not included in the squad.
Cunha, Mbeumo and Mason Mount formed United’s attacking line, with Bruno Fernandes operating behind them.
The selection gave Sesko time to watch the pace of his new league before being asked to influence the match.
New forwards enter the spotlight
Gyokeres arrived after a prolific spell with Sporting, where he played under Amorim. Sesko joined United to become the focal point of their rebuilt attack.
The opening-day team sheets created an early comparison between them, but their success would be decided over a season rather than one afternoon.
Elsewhere, Chelsea drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest beat Brentford 3-1 as the new campaign gathered pace.
