Arsene Wenger has blamed a bad case of opening day nerves for Arsenal’s embarrassing 2-0 loss against West Ham.
Wenger’s side were left shell-shocked on Sunday as a mistake from former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech allowed Cheikhou Kouyate to put West Ham ahead before Mauro Zarate struck to condemn the Gunners to defeat in their first game of the Premier League season.
Cech’s shaky debut was hardly reassuring for Wenger, who hoped the Czech’s STG10 million ($A21.12 million) signing from Chelsea would prove a crucial addition as Arsenal chase their first title since 2004.
But rather than blame the loss on Cech’s blunder, the Gunners boss attributed the meltdown at the Emirates Stadium to a collective lack of composure.
“The players were maybe too nervous and put too much pressure on themselves,” Wenger said.
“We were not convincing offensively or defensively.
“I knew it could be a tricky game. We know fitness wise, West Ham were ahead of us, they had already played competitive games. You never have the same intensity as them.
“But if you can’t win the game, make sure you don’t lose it.
“We have been hurt mentally and it is a good opportunity to respond. We will respond to that accident.”
Asked for his view on Cech’s display, Wenger opted against publicly criticising his new signing.
“It is not only him, we have enough experience at the back. The mistake was a collective one,” Wenger said.
“I can’t see many convincing performances today. I haven’t spoken to him yet.
“The concentration was maybe not there and the organisation wasn’t there. We gave them too much space to run into.”
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