Premier League - Nasri on target in Arsenal win
Samir Nasri scored on his full debut to give Arsenal a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League's opening match at the Emirates Stadium.
Nasri hit the back of the net four minutes in as the hosts repeatedly sliced West Brom apart in the first half.
The French playmaker was rushed back from injury and impressed with his guile and work-rate, regularly cutting inside from the left to dictate the play alongside Denilson.
The goal was the best moment of the first half. Nasri's finish was cool and composed, low into the bottom right after a sweeping, passing move saw Denilson expertly cut the ball back to the former Marseille playmaker, who was unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box and coolly slotted it past Scott Carson.
Arsenal were dominant, controlling the play and toying with their guests, but they did seem to lack a cutting edge and Carson only made two saves, one from a Theo Walcott header and one from Nasri.
The Baggies were fortunate to go into the break only a goal down, with several deflected efforts leaving debutant keeper Carson flat-footed and Abdoulaye Meite and Leon Barnett also weighing in with goal-line clearances.
The second period started with Arsenal pressing West Brom, but the visitors created a chance after an excellent reverse pass by Kim Do-Heon saw Ishmael Miller force a smart save from Manuel Almunia.
Immediately afterwards, though, Emmanuel Adebayor raced clean through and curled a low finish just wide of the far post with Carson beaten.
Miller had the ball in the back of the net for West Brom, but he was ruled offside, as did Adebayor for Arsenal, but the match started to fade with both sides withdrawing into themselves as they tired in the sun.
Wenger decided to inject some flair into proceedings and brought on Robin van Persie, who was benched after disappointing in the Champions League qualifying win against Twente in midweek.
He did go close twice, forcing one smart stop from Carson with a far post header, and flicking an improvised shot inches wide after turning onto a low Adebayor centre.
West Brom did not create any more chances but were dogged in defence and did themselves plenty of credit against a superior side. The match tailed off, and Arsenal cruised to the win.Reda Maher / Eurosport
Samir Nasri scored on his full debut to give Arsenal a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League's opening match at the Emirates Stadium.
Nasri hit the back of the net four minutes in as the hosts repeatedly sliced West Brom apart in the first half.
The French playmaker was rushed back from injury and impressed with his guile and work-rate, regularly cutting inside from the left to dictate the play alongside Denilson.
The goal was the best moment of the first half. Nasri's finish was cool and composed, low into the bottom right after a sweeping, passing move saw Denilson expertly cut the ball back to the former Marseille playmaker, who was unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box and coolly slotted it past Scott Carson.
Arsenal were dominant, controlling the play and toying with their guests, but they did seem to lack a cutting edge and Carson only made two saves, one from a Theo Walcott header and one from Nasri.
The Baggies were fortunate to go into the break only a goal down, with several deflected efforts leaving debutant keeper Carson flat-footed and Abdoulaye Meite and Leon Barnett also weighing in with goal-line clearances.
The second period started with Arsenal pressing West Brom, but the visitors created a chance after an excellent reverse pass by Kim Do-Heon saw Ishmael Miller force a smart save from Manuel Almunia.
Immediately afterwards, though, Emmanuel Adebayor raced clean through and curled a low finish just wide of the far post with Carson beaten.
Miller had the ball in the back of the net for West Brom, but he was ruled offside, as did Adebayor for Arsenal, but the match started to fade with both sides withdrawing into themselves as they tired in the sun.
Wenger decided to inject some flair into proceedings and brought on Robin van Persie, who was benched after disappointing in the Champions League qualifying win against Twente in midweek.
He did go close twice, forcing one smart stop from Carson with a far post header, and flicking an improvised shot inches wide after turning onto a low Adebayor centre.
West Brom did not create any more chances but were dogged in defence and did themselves plenty of credit against a superior side. The match tailed off, and Arsenal cruised to the win.Reda Maher / Eurosport
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