Opening weekend of Premier League leaves Wenger weeping

THE 2015-16 English Premier League season kicked off at the weekend, with a horrific start for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger, having finally broken his duck against Jose Mourinho and Chelsea in the Community Shield, watched his promising team fall to pieces in a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech, in his Emirates debut for Arsenal, was missing in action for both goals. In the first, he came out to meet a free kick but missed it, Cheikhou Kouyaté heading in the ball for West Ham in the 43^rd minute. On 57 minutes, a low shot from Mauro Zárate left him hanging in fresh air.

Wenger, however, put the blame on collective failings, and a lack of organisation. 

Going forward, he said, “We were not convincing, not agile, not quick. Our passing was too slow and not incisive enough.”

Asked if he was likely to bring in anyone else before the end of the transfer window, Wenger said: “After a defeat like this, it’s important not always to think that we take a solution from outside.”

West Ham’s new boss Slaven Bilic, making his Premiership managerial debut, was delighted with his team’s performance, particularly with the confident work of 16-year-old defensive midfielder Reece Oxford. 

“If Messi was in front of me, I’d be more fazed than Reece,” said Bilic. 

Elsewhere, there were wins for Liverpool, Man Utd, Villa, Crystal Palace and Leicester City, with more games on Monday evening.