Arsenal 0-2 West Ham
by Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
at Ashburton Grove

ARSENE WENGER refused to single out Petr Cech for his performance in Arsenal’s disappointing 2-0 defeat in their first game of the new Premier League season yesterday afternoon.

The Gunners have been tipped by many to challenge for the league title this season after finishing the previous campaign in fine form and retaining the FA Cup, but two mistakes from summer signing Cech on his debut gifted West Ham a shock win at in north London.

However, Wenger instead blamed the defeat on the fact that the Hammers have played a few games in the Europa League and said the lack of match sharpness from his team was a key factor on such a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.

“West Ham are a bit more advanced in their preparation than us,” the Frenchman stressed. “They’ve played many competitive games in the Europa League.

“I knew before the game it would be tricky on that front. A big part of it was not to concede, even if we played for a 0-0. The way we conceded the goal just before half-time, with the experience we have in our team, is difficult to understand.”

Meanwhile, new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was understandably over the moon with his side’s victory in, as his team bounced back from crashing out of Europe in midweek to deliver a superb team effort at Ashburton Grove.

Goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate either side of the break gave the visitors an unexpected 2-0 lead and in truth they managed to limit the Gunners to very few chances and could have increased their lead with a couple of counter-attacks late on in the game.

The victory was their first over the north Londoners in 14 attempts and Bilic praised the quality of his team’s performance.

“We are all very pleased and it is great start for us.

“Not only for the three points but points against a team that are the title contenders. If you add to that a London derby, it makes it an even bigger win.

“This is very special. I am very proud of the second-half performance.”