Chelsea 3 Arsenal 2

Arsenal slipped to a second defeat of the season at Stamford Bridge yesterday after an entertaining (to neutrals) 3-2 loss to Chelsea. It was an amazing game, especially the first half, thanks to both sides' lack of defensive solidity. As Emery admitted in his post-match interview, his side is still looking for the right balance of defence and attack.

Pedro found the net just in the 8th minute. Morata extended the hosts' lead in the 20th minute, just after Auba missed a sitter at the other end. Arsenal's defensive line was as high as the half-way line, when Morata shrugged off Mustafi's shepherding to have a clear run at goal. With two centre-backs with little pace, this high defensive line was suicidal. 

After the blow of the second goal conceded, Micki spurned a clear-cut chance, failing to keep his shot low, but in 37th minute he made amends by drilling home a left-footed shot past Kepa from the edge of the box. The Armenian turned a provider 4 minutes later for Iwobi's equaliser. Arsenal were finding openings in Chelea defence. Auba squandered another glorious chance. Iwobi was also at fault for not converting a goal-scoring chance. We could have put the game out of sight before half time, had we put away all these chances. 

It was refreshing to see a substitution at half time as Xhaka, who was totally anonymous in the first half apart from being booked, gave way for Torreira. Emery cited the yellow card for part of the reason for the change. It was also clear that he was reluctant to start two young players new to the Premier League in Guendouzi and Torreira together at the heart of midfield.

Another bold decision we have never seen under Wenger was Ozil being subbed in 68th minute by Ramsey. Emery insisted that the change was purely tactical, but he could be ruthless enough to drop the Club's highest-paid player from the starting lineup.

Arsenal were hanging on deep in Chelsea's half and Laca was finally brought on in 75th minute for Iwobi, but it was the French striker's wayward back-pass that ultimately undid our resistance to give Chelsea a late winner. As we pushed for an equaliser, Cech had to pull off another brilliant save to deny Giroud in stoppage time.

It is a slow process of rebuilding a team. At least nobody questioned our character after coming back 2-0 down so early. Out of the two newly appointed head coaches, it was Sarri who came out victorious, but he was allowed to bring in a key player familiar with his system in Jorginho with a big price tag. Emery didn't have the luxury of that. Once his players have mastered how the new coach wants to play, hopefully they should start benefiting from what we were promised that Emery would bring to the club, such as meticulous game preparations using videos and game plans to nullify opponents' strengths and exploit their weakness.

We welcome West Ham on Saturday in a normal kick-off. Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal traditionally dominated in these fixtures against lesser teams at home. This is where Emery has to prove that he is taking the club forward not backwards. The onus is on both Emery and Pellegrini to get first points of the season next weekend. This will be a fascinating encounter for another reason as Wilshere and Lucas Perez face their former club for the first time.