A new season, new expectations but same old Arsenal, the Gunners flattered to deceive once again in the first game of a new season by losing 2-0 against West Ham United at the Emirates. A lot was expected from the Gunners, especially after they had defeated Chelsea in the Community Shield last week but goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate, either side of half-time gave new Hammers coach Slaven Bilic a winning start in the Premier League.
Arsenal started the better of the two teams, but West Ham caught hold of the game against the run of play when Kouyate headed in from a free-kick. Things went from bad to worse when Zarate caught out new Arsenal goalkeeper with a speculative shot outside the box as West Ham ran out winners. A lot of questions will be raised about Arsenal’s title credentials and we provide the five talking points from the shock defeat of Arsenal.
No Cech-mate
Petr Cech was supposed to shore the back line for the Gunners and be the player who pushes them towards a proper title challenge, what transpired will leave a lot of Arsenal fans with doubts about the former Chelsea goalkeeper’s abilities. Cech came out to collect the ball from a free-kick, which he missed leading to the first goal. The second goal was even worse for the new Arsenal goalkeeper as he failed to deal with a long-range Zarate shot. Cech needs to get his mojo on and hopefully he can be solid for Arsenal in the coming weeks.
Dimitri Payet will light up the Premier League
We spoke yesterday about one Marseille player being a star in the league with Andre Ayew stealing the show at Stamford Bridge; Dimitri Payet was just as good at the Emirates. The former Marseille winger was exceptional and set up the first goal for Kouyate to head in. Skilful, pacey and with an eye for goal, Payet could be one of the shrewdest signings of the season.
Bilic’s game plan works
Slaven Bilic might have seen his West Ham team get knocked out of the Europa League, but he showed that he has the acumen to nullify an attack. He played 16-year-old Reece Oxford in the centre of midfield, who was impressive for the Hammers. The team worked hard to keep Arsenal at bay and the manager should be given credit for playing to their capabilities and not going pound for pound against Arsenal.
Arsenal’s players need to step up
One of the biggest criticisms from the game for Arsenal could be the fact that most of their playing XI seemed to be on preseason mode. The Premier League is one of the toughest leagues in the world and a team has to be 100% committed against every side. Arsenal needed someone to step up and with the array of talent on display; it was disappointing to see no one take the mantle of being the outlet for Arsenal. This should serve as a warning to a few players, ship up or ship out, Arsene Wenger needs to have a long discussion with his players.
Arsenal need a better striker than Giroud
Granted most of Arsenal’s players were below par and they needed an injection of pace and attacking intent, Olivier Giroud needed to get his shooting boots on but he needs to provide more to the team. Arsenal need someone who can create something in the final third, Giroud needs to move about more and provide options to his teammates, now it seems he is waiting for the game to come to him rather than him taking the game.
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