West Ham shock Arsenal, Liverpool beat Stoke

Arsenal’s much-hyped new goalkeeper, Petr Cech, got a rude awakening yesterday when the Gunners’ number one let on two cheap goals against West Ham to leave Arsene Wenger wondering if he had been dealt a bad hand by Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal got Cech from Chelsea with his addition touted to be the last piece the Gunners needed to challenge for the title.

In contrast, Liverpool had a better start to the new Premier League season with a late 1-0 win at Stoke yesterday.

Cech arrived from Chelsea with a reputation for keeping clean sheets, but a header from Cheikhou Kouyate in the 43rd minute and a low shot by Mauro Zarate in the 57th minute unexpectedly beat the 33-year-old keeper.

There was little goalmouth action at Stoke until Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho scored with a ferocious shot from 25 meters in the 86th minute.

The points were shared at St. James’ Park, where a Newcastle side under new coach Steve McClaren drew 2-2 with Southampton in the day’s other game.

Arsenal toiled in the sunshine at Emirates Stadium, dominating possession but lacking ideas against a West Ham side that has been playing competitive pre-season football in the Europa League under new manager Slaven Bilic.

“We were not convincing offensively, nor defensively,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports. “I knew before the game it would be a tricky one, that West Ham could be more advanced in their preparation than us.

“But you feel guilty, because if you cannot win the game — don’t lose it. I believe that just before halftime and just after halftime we gave very, very cheap goals away and then we made it even more difficult for ourselves.”