Arsenal had a disastrous start to the new Premier League season as the Gunners were beaten by two goals to nil by a West Ham side who took their chances on the day.
Petr Cech – 4
Cech’s debut didn’t go as expected as he conceded two goals even though he wasn’t at fault for one of those. He didn’t have the best of games this time around. This takes nothing away from his quality though.
Mathieu Debuchy – 5
The french right back was a surprise starter and was decent on the day. It was his first official game for Arsenal in a long time due to previous injuries.
Per Mertesacker – 4
Mertesacker was partially responsible for the first goal as he didn’t mark Kouyate who was seen as an aerial threat. The defender was nothing more than average.
Laurent Koscielny – 6
One of the better players on the day, Koscielny had a solid making some crucial tackles in the process. He matched the pace and power of West Ham’s two forwards.
Nacho Monreal – 6
Had a good enough game as he was ever so eager to contribute in defense as well as attack.
Santi Cazorla – 4.5
Cazorla was unable to influence the play as he normally does. He was perhaps playing with a hand-brake on. Far from his usual self.
Francis Coquelin – 4.5
Coquelin, like Cazorla, didn’t have the best of games as he misplaced some passes. Not a good opening day display from him.
Aaron Ramsey – 5
Ramsey was trying to make an impact and had some influence on the game. He hit the post through a deflected volley but wasn’t upto his desired standard.
Mesut Ozil – 5
The German failed to make a mark this time around but he too, like others kept trying till the last whistle.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 7
Arsenal’s best player on the day, Chamberlain was electric in the opening exchanges with his surging runs through the West Ham back line. He was the only shining light in that Arsenal team.
Olivier Giroud – 5
The frenchman missed a couple of good chances and showed signs of not being ready for first team action. Overall, a disappointing performance from him.
Substitutes:
Alexis Sanchez – 4.5
The Chilean tried to help but couldn’t have a decisive say as he wasn’t fit enough to feature in the first place.
Theo Walcott – 4.5
Walcott cam on but to no effect as he was unable to make the diffrence due to lack of service by his teammates.