Wenger claims Arsenal were nervous in West Ham clash

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger observed that his team must have been nervous in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United in their opening Premier League clash.

Goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate secured all three points for the Hammers.

“I felt we were a bit nervous and wanted to be too quick going forward in the first half. I don’t think we were too confident,” said Wenger.

Wenger said his side lacked fitness in comparison to West Ham and praised Slaven Bilic’s side for their hard work.

“I think West Ham is a bit more advanced in preparation than us and have played many competitive games in the Europa League. I knew before the game that it would be a tricky game on that front and a big part was not to concede.”

The Frenchman wouldn’t be drawn on new goal-keeper Petr Cech’s performance despite a less than stellar start to his Arsenal career.

“I haven’t spoken to him (Petr Cech) yet but I didn’t see many convincing performances out there so it is difficult to single one out.

“I feel we gave two very cheap goals away and it was at the wrong moment two minutes before half-time and just after half-time we gave the second one.”

The Arsenal manager admitted that the team has a tricky start of the season with tough teams lined up next though exuding confidence that they will bounce back in their next match.

“It is a tricky start because we play Crystal Palace who are a good team and then Liverpool a very good team and we could see today that fitness wise and physically we aren’t there yet.”

With one match played, Arsenal are bottom of the table while Leicester City lie top.