The 2015-16 season is yet to begin, and Arsenal have already claimed their first piece of silverware, albeit it was the Barclay Asia Trophy. The Gunners clashed with Everton in the final, beating Roberto Martinez's crew 3-1 to swoop up the title.
Presenting your #BAT2015 winners.... @Arsenal! pic.twitter.com/BaThEw0Tra
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 18, 2015
The north London side, who are gearing up for their Community Shield clash with last season’s English Premier League champions Chelsea, impressed the critics, with a certain few players making the headlines.
First was summer signing Petr Cech, who after sealing his £10m switch from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates, made his Arsenal debut, on Saturday. The 33-year-old custodian made a number of key saves, with two in particular setting Twitter alight.
"It was important first to get fit, second to get know everyone around me and to win the game" - Petr Cech #BAT2015 pic.twitter.com/60oXu6kdf2
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 18, 2015
Petr Cech in Arsenal: 1 game 1 trophy #PetrCechIsARED pic.twitter.com/kMYcq0VcBr
— KING ÖF LÖNDÖN (@goonerszone) July 18, 2015
Cech looking good in his Arsenal shirt... #AFC #ArsenalvEverton
— Carl Bövis (@CarlBovis_AFC) July 18, 2015
I thought that was guna be a dead game. But Arsenal were amazing! Throw in a world class Cech save, on his debut - brilliant!
— Adam (@AR_MESSY) July 18, 2015
watching cech in goal is just amazing
— ♛TrickyAlexis♛ (@TrickyAlexis) July 18, 2015
Cech is amazing! So many saves!!! Wow
— Sahar (@sahar31x) July 18, 2015
Chelsea's biggest mistake was letting go off Cech. Not even about his GK ability, its about how he organises team and experience. Amazing.
— Mete Coban (@metecoban92) July 18, 2015
Fans turned on the Czech shot-topper, though, after an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain blunder in midfield saw him concede his first goal in an Arsenal jersey.
WHAT??? CECH OUT.
— Arsenal Report (@ArsenalReport) July 18, 2015
Cech conceded on his debut? #CechOut
— El Loco Goose (@CrazyGoose) July 18, 2015
GET CECH OUT OF THE CLUB ASAP FRAUD
— Darren (@dazclark89) July 18, 2015
Cech should save it #CechOUT :D
— Shaheen Ashraf (@topgooner100) July 18, 2015
— Basel Mohab (@GoonerBasel) July 18, 2015
Barkley with a fine goal, no chance for Cech. Mistake from Chamberlain. Debuchy on for Bellerin. #afc
— Sam (@samuelJayC) July 18, 2015
Spanish midfielder maestro Santi Cazorla was the stand-out player of the weekend clash, as the 30-year-old playmaker, who wore the captain’s armband, scored one and assisted two in the victory.
Santi has been linked with a move to La Liga to join Atletico Madrid, however, after this performance, Wenger and the fans would hate to see him leave the FA Cup holders.
Santi Cazorla is one of Wengers best ever bargains. Absolute magician
— Met. (@AFCMet) July 18, 2015
Santi Cazorla is absolutely unreal... A truly world class talent and he's getting better #arc
— Sids the Gooner (@Sids30) July 18, 2015
How easy on the eye is Santi Cazorla He is magical to watch
— Jon Brown (@JonAFCGooner7) July 18, 2015
How good a player Santi Cazorla is. A real gem.
— Fäisal B (@The_Gunnersbury) July 18, 2015
We need to appreciate Santi Cazorla more. We didn't pay £49million for him but he is worth more than those who got bought for that
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) July 18, 2015
Santi Cazorla is one of the most underrated player in the world. #Fact
— Arsenal News (@__arsenal_news_) July 18, 2015
Official: Santi Cazorla has been voted as the Barclays Asia Trophy player of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/8jFks8MawS
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 18, 2015
Cazorla was not the only Arsenal player to amaze the crowds. German ace Mesut Ozil also put in an electrifying display, impressing the club’s legions of faithful supporters, bagging a goal in the 90 minutes.
Today was a masterclass from Ozil apparently, should i be worried? Is that his best?
— Ali.... (@Walter_Tactics) July 18, 2015
Ozil is a footballing genius. Not even Giroud was expecting that ball.
— Danskin (@danskin1886) July 18, 2015
Ozil and Cazorla are gonna make EPL midfielders look like peasants this season.
— Shyam (@Santi_Classorla) July 18, 2015
What Ozil could find became a hit on Twitter after some intricate passing from the German
Mesut Ozil would of found Wally before even opening the book
— AJC™ (@AlexanderCarr_) July 18, 2015
Ozil could find the Lost Catacombs of Egypt in his spare time.
— Jamie Dalton (@JamieDalton82) July 18, 2015
Ozil could find a Chelsea supporter before 2004
— Sháyne (@Shayne_afc) July 18, 2015
Ozil could find RVP's little boy inside.
— Shyam (@Santi_Classorla) July 18, 2015
All is clicking for the Gunners, ahead of the upcoming English Premier League season, and with a performance like this, many must wonder: can they win the league title once again?