Arsenal 0 - 0 Sunderland

Giroud's 80th minute miss could have been the decider

This was our third draw to start the season in a row.

It wasn't as bad as last season's opener against Newcastle, where we drew 0-0 and had the whole Gervinho/Barton red card debacle.

There were plenty of negative things to dwell on. The commentators consistant mentioning of van Persie's departure, Song's impending move (now confirmed by Barcelona) and Fabregas and Nasri's transfer's last season...it was difficult to watch.

However, as an optimistic gooner, I'd rather look at the positive side.

Positives:

• Santi Cazorla - what a signing! Was creating beautiful football, and had more than a few chances.
•  New look side - Arsenal had a completely different team to what we've been used to. We seemed to function pretty well on the whole. Obviously the new players need a bit more time to adapt, but I think it all looks pretty positive.
• Clean sheet - We kept them scoreless. Always a positive.
• All the chances - once Giroud and Podolski find their stride, we'll be scoring goals.
• Vermaelen as captain! - Great to see.
• We got a point.
  
• We're not Liverpool. Losing to West Brom 3-0. Eeeek. Nasty.
• We're not Spurs. Enough said.
  

Giroud's chance...yes. It was a clear goal opportunity. But anyone could have missed that. I don't think we should be too quick to judge Giroud.

We can't be too quick to judge the whole team! There were a lot of positives to take from the match, and for the season as a whole. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Doesn't matter if we didn't win our first game. We've got the whole rest of the season to make up for it.

Here's hoping Man Utd lose tomorrow.
- KiwiGoonerGirl