Five things learned from Arsenal’s defeat

West Ham United oversaw Gunners 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal kick-started their Premier League campaign with a shock 2-0 defeat at home to London rivals West Ham United this afternoon.

The Gunners are hotly tipped to win their first league title in 11-years, but they’ve already suffered their first set-back thanks to a nightmare debut from Petr Cech.

Goals either side of half-time gave the visitors all three points at the Emirates Stadium and leaves Arsene Wenger‘s men bottom of the table after game-week one.

So despite being tipped for a league title before the season started, Arsenal have already suffered their first defeat and are already playing catch-up to their title-rivals.

What did we learn though from Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham?

SillySeason pick out their five things learnt from the shock defeat.

5) Dimitri Payet Looks the Real Deal

Now the old saying is ‘it takes overseas players time to settle in England and in the Premier League, however that is seemingly not the case for Dimitri Payet.

Signed over the summer by Slaven Bilic, the midfielder looked right at home in the heart of The Hammers‘ midfielder and out-shined the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey.

Payet‘s quick-feet and trickery caused all kinds of problems for Arsenal and they simply couldn’t get near him for half the match.

His freedom in the centre of the park helped West Ham control the game and his lightning pace aided numerous counter attacks for the visitors.

A top signing from West Ham and if he can keep it up every week, he’s certain to help guide The Hammers to a successful season.

4) Even The Best Have Bad Days

When Arsenal fans found out they had signed Petr Cech, rightfully so they went absolutely mental. He’s a world-class ‘keeper and something they’ve lacked since Jens Lehmann.

However, Cech‘s Premier League debut will be one to forgot as he made two massive errors for both West Ham‘s goals.

The first, the veteran completed mistimed the cross and punched thin-air before Cheikhou Kouyate headered home into an empty net, which was then followed by a long-range shot that left him stranded after moving the wrong way.

No doubt Cech will prove to be a great signing for Arsenal in the long-run, but today is certainly a game to forget for both the ‘keeper and the club.

3) Reece Oxford is a Gem

Imagine being 16-years-old and playing against Arsenal Football Club.

Well Reece Oxford did just that today and not only did he play, he shined and was arguably the best player on the pitch as he completely shut out Mesut Ozil and co.

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Oxford was named in the starting XI, but he proved doubters why he was in there with a stunning performance.

The teenager controlled the midfield and kept Ozil and Aaron Ramsey quiet all game.

A bright future no doubt for this guy, but lets hope the media doesn’t get the better of him.

2) Arsenal Fans Still Overreact

Just moments after the defeat, #WengerOut was trending on Twitter. Yes. This is true.

The first game of the new season ends in a defeat, and Arsenal fans are already calling for Arsene Wenger‘s head. Football is well and truly back.

Not only was Wenger scrutinised, as was Petr Cech, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and Mesut Ozil all for their performances during the season opener.

Just last week they were lifting the Community Shield and saying they were title contenders, and now they are calling for drastic changes on and off the field.

Arsenal fans. Gotta love ’em.

1) Arsenal Need To Strengthen

Arsenal need a couple more signings if they want to genuinely win the Premier League this season.

Petr Cech‘s arrival was a signal of intent, but on today’s showing, more class and quality is needed.

A striker is needed and a centre-midfielder is also needed if Arsenal want to genuinely compete for the title.

Karim Benzema has been strongly linked, but apart from that, nothing else is being mentioned for The Gunners, which will alarm fans of the club.

The last time Arsenal lost their opening game, against Aston Villa, they signed Mesut Ozil……

Arsenal fans will be hoping Arsene Wenger has something in his locker.

So there are the five things we learnt from today’s match at the Emirates Stadium.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt