Wenger refuses to blame Cech for Arsenal’s shock loss

Arsene Wenger was forced to confess that new signing Petr Cech did not have a “convincing” game after the goalkeeper was at fault for both of West Ham’s goals.

Striker Olivier Giroud failed to keep up his impressive scoring record against West Ham, and was treated for a head injury during the second half following a collision with Irons defender James Tomkins, but was not knocked unconscious at any point, returning home as usual after the match.

Arsenal were unable to force their way back into the match during five minutes of stoppage time, as West Ham closed out a first victory over the Gunners since April 2007. He nearly scored a delightful goal, at 0-0, and consistently succeeded when taking on any one of West Ham’s defence. If Arsenal are in with a chance of signing Karim Benzema, Giroud’s performance should redouble their resolve to get the deal done.

Wenger sent on Theo Walcott and Chile’s Alexis Sanchez as late substitutes, but Arsenal was unable to break down a stubborn West Ham defense.

While Wenger bemoaned Arsenal’s flaws, new West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admitted he was surprised how well his side played in a dream start to his reign.

MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 6 – He greeted the half-time whistle with an overt show of frustration, and for good reason: Arsenal were 1-0 down, but Oxlade-Chamberlain had been their star performer.

It was West Ham’s first win at the Emirates since 2007, Arsenal’s first defeat at their then-new ground. Did their former manager really do them that much harm?

He told Sky Sports: “West Ham were a bit ahead of us because they had played many competitive games and preparation is preparation, you never get that same intensity”.

“Today we have been hurt mentally and it is a good opportunity to respond“.

Oxford said: “It was a dream debut”. He was given the occasional problem by West Ham’s varied attack but neither goal could be ascribed to him.

“The players were not too confident, maybe too nervous, because we didn’t respect the basics of the game in some situations, but I don’t think they too confident”.

“I found out yesterday night and I was obviously happy”. I knew if the delivery was good we would be in trouble. He came out to try and punch clear a Payet free-kick from the right, but Kouyate beat him to it and hit the back of an empty Arsenal net with a towering header.

He explained: “I would like it if we are responsible to buy the coaches and not the media”.