Callum Chambers started both of Arsenal's back-to-back Emirates Cup fixtures

Published: 4 August, 2014
by PAUL COWLING at the EMIRATES STADIUM

Arsenal 0, AS Monaco 1

BOUYED by the 5-1 mauling of Benfica the day before, Arsenal fans descended on the Emirates with the sun beating down on their smiling faces, and 'Alexis' or 'Sanchez' on the back of their new replica shirts.

The buzz was of the Chilean star signing's full debut, and a new season of justified optimism. And, the Gunners only needed a draw to top the four team pairings, but they came up short, going down 1-0 to a 37th minute headed goal from Monaco striker Radamel Falcao.

Valencia's 3-1 victory over Benfica earlier in the afternoon, coupled with Arsenal's defeat, meant The Gunners had failed to win their 'home' trophy for the first time since 2010.

The biggest talking point of a disappointing match, came ten minutes from time.

Second half substitute Chuba Akpom burst through on goal but Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic brought him down inches inside the area.

Referee Martin Atkinson initially pointed to the spot, but after consultation with his assistant, awarded Arsenal a free kick outside the box.

After the match, Arsene Wenger said he was surprised the penalty wasn't given.

“What was strange was that the guy closest to the action made the decision and was contradicted by the guy who was farthest and the farther got his opinion respected.

Arsenal stepped up their play in the second half. Wenger had also brought on Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who brought some urgency to the attack with his wing bursts from both flanks.

But, The Gunners rarely threatened the Monaco goal, and the one time they did, goalkeeper Subasic denied Arsenal with a great save.

That came in the 50th minute. Santi Cazorla fed Wilshere, who's stabbed shot looked to be heading for the net, but somehow the Croatian international managed to paw the ball away for a corner.

But, Wenger thought his side were not at their best, and had 'deserved to lose the game'.

"A lot can change in 24 hours in football,' said the French coach.

"(Against Monaco) we were static and lethargic, and not convincing at all. We are not their physically"

Wenger also stressed that striker Olivier Giroud was not match sharp.

"He is not ready. I am not sure he will be for the Community Shield" (against Man City next weekend).

Wenger also expressed a note of disappointment with Arsenal's attacking play.

"Today, we seemed to have a problem feeding our strikers. 

"Our combination play was very poor, and our forward play was very poor (as well)"

But, Wenger was pleased with his big summer signing, Alexis Sanchez, who had assumed a virtual full striker's role against the French side.

"He (Sanchez) make good runs in behind. He will adapt, if you have good midfielders"

Wenger also heaped praise on another of his captures, Callum Chambers, who, along with Nacho Monreal and Aaron Ramsey, was the only player to start the two weekend matches.

"He (Chambers) played very well for a 19 year old. He was not phased by the opposition" said Wenger.

"Chambers is a great distance runner, who can play in central midfield. He was educated as a central midfielder"

It's clear Wenger sees the former Southampton starlet in a more central role, and coupled with the buzz, goals and creativity that Alexis Sanchez will bring to the squad, Arsenal fans have reasons to be cheerful for the forthcoming season.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy (Bellerin 90), Koscielny, Chambers (Oxlade Chamberlain HT), Monreal, Wilshere (Zelalem, 73), Arteta, Alexis, (Flamini 73) Ramsey, Cazorla (Akpom 73), Giroud (Miquel HT): Subs not used:Martinez, Hayden, Coquelin,
Att: 59,570