Manchester United and Arsenal have been defeated 3-1 at The Emirates after an entertaining game, full of talking points.
Here is a look at seven things we learned from the match…
VAR robs United of a win
The big talking point was Alejandro Garnacho‘s late winner being ruled out for offside.
It was an incorrect decision and Erik ten Hag will be fuming, along with every watching Manchester United supporter.
Garnacho took the goal so well after a pass from Casemiro, and United’s performance deserved the win, had the strike been allowed. This would have been a memorable away victory.
Arsenal then scored deep into injury time – to rub salt in the wounds, and then hit United on the counter. It was an undeserved 3-1 win as you will ever see.
Rashford’s sucker punch and then United lose concentration
Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford combined in the first half to implement Erik ten Hag’s quick-transition tactics to absolute perfection to give Manchester United the lead.
United had invited pressure before springing a superb counter-attack to take a 1-0 lead.
But there was no time to celebrate, with Arsenal equalising within 60 seconds. United lost concentration and allowed Martin Odegaard a free shot, and the game was level once again.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Saka lucky to escape red
Manchester United matches are always full of talking points, and the television pundits would have you believe we get all the decisions. Not true.
Bukayo Saka received a yellow card for a lunging studs up tackle on Bruno Fernandes, when it should have been a red.
If it was Casemiro making the tackle, it would have been a straight sending off. But this first half incident was deemed to be simply a booking.
More balance with Eriksen in the middle
Manchester United’s last away game at Tottenham was a mess from a tactical perspective with Mason Mount played too high up the pitch.
Christian Eriksen started alongside Casemiro in this one, with Mount injured, and the midfield looked much more balance as a result.
The Dane completed 32 of 34 first half passes, with the pick his pinpoint assist for Marcus Rashford.
He could have closed down better for Arsenal’s instant equaliser, but aside from that one crucial moment, the midfield pairing was a vast improvement on the last away trip to the capital.
Rasmus Hojlund makes debut
New signing Rasmus Hojlund made his long awaited debut in the second half, introduced with 25 minutes to go. It came after a fairly listless performance up front from Anthony Martial.
It was instantly clear the Dane provides more presence up front, and that he is willing to physically engage defenders and get into physical duels.
One instance where he held the ball up led to a shot on goal from Marcus Rashford.
Harry Maguire makes first appearance of the season
Lisandro Martinez suffered a second half injury, yes another Manchester United player on the treatment table.
This meant it was time for Harry Maguire to be introduced. The need for defensive depth will mean United need four centre-backs, and Arsenal fans cheered when he came on, probably as loudly as England boss Gareth Southgate did at home.
Jonny Evans came off the bench for the final five minutes, setting up a very unlikely partnership with harry Maguire to close out the game.
Another away defeat
The defeat and the scoreline really was not deserved – but this is another away loss on Manchester United and Erik ten Hag’s record.
United should have won this game, but the result stands and United begin the season with six points from a possible 12, sitting down in 11th place in the table.