Published: 3 February, 2013
by PAUL COWLING

Premier League
ARSENAL 1, STOKE CITY 0

FOR Arsenal new boy Nacho Monreal, there was no popping down to Ace Sports in Kentish Town to buy football boots. The Gunners' deadline day signing had his own pair flown over from Spain shortly before his debut at home to Stoke.

If Monreal was a thousand miles from home, on this performance, Stoke were opponents a million miles from quality. Their effective but boring anti-football sought to frustrate Arsenal, and it almost did, but substitute Lukas Podolski's deflected 78th minute free-kick gave the Gunners a deserved, hard-fought three points that keeps them in sixth place.

Arsenal started brightly, but in a dour first half, could only summon three chances on goal – each time Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic saved well from a Laurent Koscielny header and two efforts from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsene Wenger had made five changes from Wednesday's draw with Liverpool, with Podolski and Santi Cazorla on the bench, but brought on in the 68th minute as Stoke continued to defend deep but hold firm.

Wenger had a face of thunder for a moment, as Podolski's decisive free-kick was initially ruled out for offside, but referee Chris Foy reasoned that Theo Walcott had not been interfering with play.

"It was a struggle," admitted a relieved Wenger. "But, we had spirit and kept going. We were lucky with the goal, but we deserved it."

Wenger was happy not to have conceded any goals, but in truth, his back four were in little danger as Stoke, even with Peter Crouch and Michael Owen, offered nothing in attack. Monreal had a few nervy moments in possession, but overall, Wenger was pleased with the Spanish international's contribution.

"It's a real culture shock to play Stoke when you come from Spain." said Wenger.

"But he got stronger and stronger."

For Monreal it was “Welcome to the Premier League”, and, with boots, he will now travel to Sunderland next Saturday as Arsenal inch their way closer to securing a vital top-four finish.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Diaby (Cazorla 68), Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Podolski 68), Walcott (Ramsey 90), Giroud. Subs: Mannone, Rosicky, Andre Santos, Jenkinson.

Attendance: 59,872