Arsenal’s anticipated title challenge began in the worst possible fashion as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
SEE MORE: Video: Arsenal 0-2 West Ham – Petr Cech horror-show on debut gives Gooners huge reality check
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate goals either side of the break earned the Hammers a well-deserved victory in Slaven Bilic’s first Premier League game in charge.
Here, fanatix rates and slates the performances of the Gunners…
GK: Petr Cech – 3/10
A horror debut which Arsenal fans would not have expected from their celebrated summer signing, who was at fault for both of West Ham’s goals. He flapped at and missed a free-kick delivery to allow Kouyate to head West Ham into a half-time lead, and was then exposed at his near post for Zarate’s 25-yard shot.
RB: Mathieu Debuchy – 5/10
Started at right-back after Hector Bellerin was ruled out because of a muscle problem, as The Express reports. Took up some good positions, but lacks the dynamism that the Spaniard has in the final third.
CB: Per Mertesacker – 6/10
The oft-criticised German cannot take any flak for this hugely disappointing opening-day defeat. He won his aerial battles and used his experience to smartly avoid footraces with the pacey Diafra Sakho.
CB: Laurent Koscielny – 6/10
Nearly made matters worse for the Gunners when his tame headed back-pass had to be swept up by Cech, but did some good work when he made a crucial recovery tackle as Sakho charged clear.
LB: Nacho Monreal – 7/10
One of his side’s better players, the Spaniard provided a good attacking option down the Arsenal left as Santi Cazorla drifted inside. Had the beating of James Tomkins and should have been utilised more.
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