Arsene Wenger refuses to single out Petr Cech for Wesrt Ham goals

Arsenal are expected to provide tough competition for Chelsea in their hunt for their first league crown since 2004 this season, but Wright saw the West Ham defeat as proof the Gunners need to find a battling mentality to win silverware this term.

But the 33-year-old was guilty of conceding two soft goals as West Ham recorded a shock result of the opening weekend – with Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate both beating Cech with efforts the Czech Republic global would have been disappointed to concede.

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.

Wenger said: “We killed ourselves”.

Arsenal has been linked with a big-money move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, while Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon is also reportedly a target.

But It was West Ham who were in front three minutes before half-time, though, as Cech had a moment to forget.

I can’t remember the last time Arsenal went into a season with so much positivity surrounding them.

“I was really surprised Arsenal didn’t really press the ball early in the first half and put West Ham under pressure, and maybe that just shows you the lack of leadership at the club”.

“I think these games are always a bit slow anyway, the players are still finding their feet and fitness”, Terry said. “I know we were in trouble even before the free-kick was taken”. “Two Arsenal defenders stood back and asked the West Ham player to have a shot and they paid the price”. “That is part of our job, but the boy has a future and we have to manage him the right way in every aspect”.

“I haven’t spoken to him [Cech] yet”.

The 16-year-old West Ham midfielder impressed on his Premier League debut in largely nullifying the collective threat of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla, and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic praised his character in responding to the occasion. “I’m gutted that we didn’t go through, but the main thing is this is the last season at Upton Park and we have to do well in the Premier League“. I would say too nervous.