Per Mertesacker warns Arsenal they can’t afford any more slip-ups after West

The manager did, however, acknowledge that his side lacked defensive organisation in conceding “soft” strikes as their Barclays Premier League campaign began with defeat.

But Upton Park’s latest hero was born in Edmonton, North London and grew up supporting the Gunners – if his tweets are to be believed.

Manager Arsene Wenger would never admit to his side being a bit complacent against the Hammers but they did invite a great deal of pressure onto themselves against a team that looked sharp and determined to have an impact.

The 32-year-old midfielder watched Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday, and said: “Judging by this game it won’t be long before I get a phone call from somebody (to sign for them)”. It’s hard to see beyond that.

“We have enough experience at the back“.

First, Cech came off his line looking to punch an in-swinging Dimitri Payet free-kick, which Cheikhou Kouyate headed towards an empty goal. There are many things to say about that. “I am convinced that we will respond well to that accident”.

Having won just twice in their first eight games to ultimately cost them a tilt at the title last season, Wenger had spoken of the need to be switched on from the start this time around. “I think we are capable of coming back”. Today we have to look at ourselves.

Blame for those accidents is bound to rest on Cech, after he rushed out to clear a free kick but his gloves arrived second to Kouyate’s head. He is not fazed or impressed by playing at Emirates Stadium. At the age of 16 years and 237 days, Oxford also entered the record books as the second-youngest player to start a Premier League match after Everton’s Jose Baxter in August 2008. After that loss, the club went on a remarkable run and was top of the table for the majority of the season, only to falter at the end of year due to a rash of injuries to key players. Let’s be fair, Ozil had his moments but it’s not easy to minimalise the game of these world-class players.

Arsenal FC had been billed as one of the title contenders prior to yesterday’s terrible display.