Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice react to Riccardo Calafiori’s message after his Man United winner
Arsenal players shared a reaction to Riccardo Calafiori’s message to supporters after he scored the decisive goal in their win over Manchester United.
The Gunners left Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory to kick off the 2025/26 season in the best possible way, despite being under pressure for a majority of the game.
New arrivals Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres both started for Mikel Arteta, but it was the Italian defender who made the difference. Calafiori capitalised on an error from Altay Bayindir at a corner, as he reacted quickest to slot home the opener inside the first half.
Despite Arsenal’s early breakthrough, it was United who looked the more threatening for large periods of the match. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both went close, but the visitors’ backline held firm, showing grit and composure to see out the result and take all three points.
After the final whistle, Calafiori marked his goal with a passionate message to supporters, making clear his determination to build on a strong performance.
Riccardo Calafiori delivers determined message after Arsenal win
Calafiori marked the victory by posting a series of photos on Instagram, including one of his winning goal at Old Trafford. He captioned the post: “First game of the season and 3 points. Lots to do, we keep going.”
Plenty of teammates showed their support for the matchwinner. Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli reacted with heart emojis, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were among those to like the post.
The Italy international endured a difficult debut season at Arsenal, missing 26 games through injury after his move from Bologna last summer. That spell of absences left some fans questioning his future, with some Arsenal fans calling for Calafiori to be sold.
However, the 23-year-old has shown a knack for stepping up in big moments. Last season, Calafiori scored a long-range strike against Manchester City, found the winning goal against Wolves, and now he has started the new campaign with another crucial strike.
With Myles Lewis-Skelly emerging as a serious option in defence, Calafiori had appeared to slip down the pecking order under Arteta, who often turned to the 18-year-old instead. But if the Italian can stay fit, he may yet hold down a regular place in the starting XI.
| Arsenal fixtures | Date |
| Arsenal vs Leeds | 23 August |
| Liverpool vs Arsenal | 31 August |
| Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest | 13 September |
Leandro Trossard facing uncertain Arsenal future
While Trossard was among those reacting to Calafiori’s post, his own future at the Emirates looks far less settled. The Belgian was left on the bench throughout the clash with United and finds himself on the fringes of Arteta’s plans.
Football Insider revealed Trossard is open to leaving Arsenal this summer, with Aston Villa among those monitoring his situation.
The arrival of Noni Madueke is expected to limit his playing time further, and with just 12 months remaining on his contract, he appears ready to seek a move away before the window closes.