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Stoke City 1 Arsenal 0: Two-time Champions League winner Jese compounds Arsene Wenger's pain in the Potteries
Paris to the Potteries may seem an unconventional path to the Premier League, but Jese Rodriguez already appears at home. Stoke’s new signing from Paris Saint-Germain took just 90 seconds of the second half to produce the pivotal moment and remind Arsene Wenger why he always finds this fixture so uncomfortable.
Jese, pronounced ‘Essay’, is the latest eye-catching addition for Mark Hughes and this was an excellent debut from a player who can also include Real Madrid among the clubs on his glamorous cv.
After scoring four goals in their opening game against Leicester, Arsenal were unable to produce one here as Stoke rediscovered the steely qualities that has made them such obdurate opponents in the past.
Jese will steal the headlines but there were other outstanding performances from the home team, particularly from Kurt Zouma, signed on loan from Chelsea, who seems the sort of footballer destined to play for Stoke.
It will have been a sweet result for Hughes, the Stoke manager, who has seen the club’s ambition questioned after the sale of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham, while they have also been tipped strongly as relegation candidates.
For Wenger, this was typically excruciating as he witnessed an Alexandre Lacazette goal ruled out for offside while Mesut Ozil had one of those bewildering evenings where he exerted little influence.
The bet365 Stadium used to be the venue from hell for Wenger, a fixture he would ringmark in his diary with trepidation at the start of the season. He has frequently viewed trips to the Potteries with dread and in these parts will never be able to forget his infamous comment when he claimed Stoke – under former manager Tony Pulis – employed “rugby-style tactics”.
But the rancour has faded in recent times and it was probably a surprise to many that Arsenal went into the game unbeaten in their last five Premier League encounters.
Their last visit ended in a convincing 4-1 victory, complete with a brilliant individual performance from Alexis Sanchez, absent for the second successive game with a muscle strain.
Yet Stoke’s recruitment policy continues to spring surprises and they now have five Champions League winners in their squad, including Jese.
Signed on loan for the season from Paris Saint-Germain, Jese was given a rousing rendition of Stoke’s adopted anthem, Tom Jones’ Delilah before kick-off and took only three minutes to make an impact.
After being sent clear by Darren Fletcher, Jese skipped past Shkodran Mustafi into the penalty area with a deft touch and was denied by Petr Cech.
Jack Butland made saves from Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey and with England’s World Cup qualifier against Malta coming up in early September, this is an ideal time for Butland to perform as he bids to usurp Joe Hart as the country’s No. 1 goalkeeper.
Yet Stoke were also creating chances, Ryan Shawcross wasting an excellent opportunity with a header that went awry as the heavens opened. And they took the lead just two minutes into the second period after a clinical finish from the new arrival.
Saido Berahino, introduced as a substitute for the injured Xherdan Shaqiri in the first half, played a wonderfully weighted pass into Jese’s path and the striker drilled a left-footed shot across Cech.
“One-nil to the rugby team,” crowed the home support, swiftly followed by a noisy “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ chorus more associated with Twickenham.
Wenger, sat motionless in his dug-out, did not see the funny side.
He will also not have appreciated the decision from referee Andre Marriner minutes later, either, when the impressive Zouma appeared to handle Aaron Ramsey’s header inside the area. No penalty.
Wenger introduced Olivier Giroud in the 66th minute as Arsenal went in search of an equaliser.
It was another Frenchman, Lacazette, who had the ball in the net in the 72nd minute, with an emphatic finish, but the assistant referee came to Stoke’s rescue with an offside flag, though he did appear just level.
Five minutes of added time gave Arsenal hope but there was to be no dramatic finish as Stoke toasted their new hero.
Full time - Stoke City 1 - 0 Arsenal
Jese Rodriguez's debut goal, a defensive masterclass in the second half, and a brilliant display from Jack Butland have denied Arsenal, who will have reason to feel aggrieved after a dominant first half in which they were denied a penalty.
Stoke's early season hoodoo comes to an end as they record an early win. Arsenal's momentum peters out disappointingly at a ground that is far from a happy hunting ground for them.
What a turnaround from Stoke's back three
In the first half, Arsenal were creating chances at will and the back three of Cameron, Zouma, and Shawcross really looked like they couldn't get to grips with playing in a back three.
Their second half has been a superb rearguard effort. Zouma especially has been fantastic.
Five additional minutes
Arsenal are dominating this now - Stoke are pressed right back into their own penalty area and the visitors are knocking the ball around seeking an opening.
It'd be a turn up if Stoke can hold on. Looks as if last season's 4-1 success here may have been an anomaly in Arsenal's pretty dismal record away here.
Familiar pattern of play
Arsenal knock the ball around in the midfield - Stoke pack men behind the ball daring Arsenal to clip the ball across - they eventually oblige with Mustafi playing a long diagonal to the back post, and Stoke clear.
Bruno Martins Indi has replaced Erik Pieters for the last couple of minutes plus added time.
Can Stoke hold on? The flow of Arsenal chances seems to have stopped for now.
Stoke counter attack
Berahino and Chuopo-Moting poke the ball clear - the latter carries the ball towards the corner. He delivers the ball to Erik Pieters who gets clattered by Mustafi.
Arsenal play on, refusing to put the ball out of play, much to the annoyance of the Stoke support. After a minute or so they miscontrol and the ball goes out.
The replay shows one foot raised off the ground and it clearly looks like a foul. Clumsy from Mustafi. He gets the slightest touch on the ball but it's still a foul by the looks of things.
Five minutes left but a lengthy delay as Pieters recovers.
Potential man of the match
Jack Butland is having a superb afternoon between the sticks.
He's got 10 more minutes to hold on.
Iwobi and Walcott join the action to replace Walcott and Xhaka. I know he's clearly just looking to freshen things up, and Welbeck has been more impressive today, but isn't it a little odd to withdraw your record signing when you're chasing a game like this? Answers on a postcard.
Ball in the back of the net...
Lacazette finishes emphatically past Jack Butland but it's ruled out for offside at the end of a really good passage of play. It's borderline, his right foot was slightly offside - an incredible spot from the linesman, that's a great call.
Still 1-0 Stoke with just over 15 minutes left
String of three chances for Arsenal
Oxlade Chamberlain gets in behind a tired looking Jese Rodriguez - he's replaced to a standing ovation at the break in play by Ramadan Sobhi. Chamberlain's slide rule pass finds Lacazette who's touch is awful - the ball escapes as far as Ramsey who's shot is blocked by Fletcher as far as Ozil who's curling effort has Butland scrambling.
Stoke hanging on at the moment.
Berahino forces a great save from Cech
Erik Pieters does well to get forward, probably one of the only times he's forced Oxlade Chamberlain to backtrack.
He whips a great ball into the near post, it's met by a diving header from Saido Berahino who heads it into the ground - the ball skids off the surface towards the top corner but Cech gets there to tip it over.
Penalty shout - Arsenal
Another one, Kurt Zouma looked to accidentally kick the ball onto his arm inside his own penalty area after a Ramsey nodded the ball back from the byline after a blindside run. Would have been harsh.
The corner came at the end of a familiar sight - Arsenal knocking the ball around midfield in front of a wall of 8 or 9 players.
They did well to force a corner but took a bizarre set piece, clipping the ball back 40 yards into midfield to resume their possession play.
The visitors are starting to force the issue now
Goal - Jese Rodriguez gets off the mark
What a debut! Jese Rodriguez slots the ball past Peter Cech at the end of a great move for Stoke.
He starts the move by playing the ball into Saido Berahino out wide.
He makes the run inside the former West Brom man, takes a good first touch into the box and finds the far corner with a low, left foot finish.
Great opening 90 seconds to the second half.
1-0 Stoke - Game on!
Great to see Jack Butland back in form
After his heartbreaking injury on his international debut against Germany in Berlin - an injury that unfortunately cost England a goal on the night - it's great to see Jack Butland back in goal, and in form.
Arsenal fans might not agree with that now I think about it.
Recap - Arsenal penalty claim?
It was one that went under the radar slightly. It was a really difficult one for Andre Marriner to call as it happened so fast and had to look through a crowd of bodies.
Bellerin's touch isn't the best and it looks as if Diouf makes contact with the ball, but on closer inspection Diouf doesn't get any of the ball and comes through the back of Bellerin.
Graham Poll in the BT Studio says penalty, but given the circumstances isn't surprised the referee can't give it as his view was obscured. Says it's time for technology.
Half-time - Stoke City 0-0 Arsenal
Jack Butland had an impressive half, making some important saves as Arsenal created some really good chances with a mix of slick build up play and chipped balls to take advantage of Stoke's disorganised back three.
Stoke themselves had a few good openings, largely through the impressive Jese Rodriguez on his debut, but will be pleased to go in at the break on level terms.
Foul by Bellerin
He brings down Diouf out wide and offers Stoke another opportunity to put the ball in the box.
Fletcher stands over it as two minutes of added time are announced.
Cech punches the initial ball clear. It's recovered by Darren Fletcher who has another go at putting the ball over, but it's claimed by Cech - again.
Lacking confidence?
Stoke look to lack a bit of confidence in attack - I suppose it must have a lot to do with the fact they're playing two new signings up there, and had Shaqiri go off injured after half an hour. If they can pick things up in the second half they could really give the Arsenal defence, themselves looking a touch short on confidence, problems
Less than ten minutes until half-time
For large parts of the half the action was back and forth between Stoke's more direct approach, and the impressive Jese Rodriguez, and Arsenal's slick build up play. However the visitors have taken the initiative and have created some really good chances as Stoke look uncomfortable with a back three.
Stoke set piece
Another promising opportunity to test the Arsenal defence.
Darren Fletcher to whip this in and hopefully test the Arsenal backline.
The ball is overhit, but Jese spares Fletcher's blushes by winning the ball, and another free kick.
He's had a great opening half an hour in the Premier League
Stoke planning an early change?
Their current system with three at the back really isn't working. Could Mark Hughes be forced into an early change of system?
The eventual substitution looks like it'll be enforced by injury however, Shaqiri goes down with Bojan asked to warm up. A potential early blow as the Swiss international sits on the turf.
Early change - Saido Berahino on for Shaqiri.
Stoke break from an Arsenal corner
Stoke defend an Arsenal corner. The ball breaks to Jese just inside his own half. The Spaniard did really well to run at Kolasinac, reach the byline, and then find Chuopo-Moting with a cut back - however the summer signing from Schalke can only unleash a tame effort at Cech.
Welbeck and Lacazette looking really bright
The pair have been ready, willing and able to run from deep and take on the Stoke defence.
The latest example forces a free kick, which is taken short to Bellerin who clips a ball over the top to Welbeck who forces a stop from Butland.
Arsenal are starting to take control here - Stoke are struggling with three at the back and look vulnerable to balls over the top.
Chance for Ramsey
Lacazette does really well to out muscle Darren Fletcher and chip a ball into Ramsey from deep.
The pass forces him wide but it takes good defensive work from Stoke to thwart him.
Meanwhile at the other end, Shaqiri pretty much catches a Stoke long ball into the Arsenal penalty area.
End to end stuff
Arsenal looked as if they were about to carve out a chance as Danny Welbeck went clear of the Stoke defence. Eventually the move broke down as Bellerin, operating off the left hand side, couldn't pick out Xhaka.
Stoke break but are unable to thread the ball through to Jese.
A really entertaining start here!
An even opening five minutes
Stoke are starting to come into this after Arsenal made a confident start.
Darren Fletcher is getting a lot of time and space in midfield and has already shown his willingness to try to pick out Jese and Chuopo Moting up front. Arsenal's more attacking centre midfield pairing could give him an opportunity to dictate things.
Is it still Summer in Stoke?
Arsenal would have looked at the fixture list with relief having seen their away trip to Stoke scheduled for supposedly sunny August. However they've ventured North and found exactly the cliche conditions - cold, windy, night in Stoke - they're said to struggle with in the height of summer!
Arsenal kick-off - We're underway.
Early Premier League table
A win for Arsenal would take them level with Manchester United and West Brom and put them in the Premier League's top three after two games.
A win for Stoke would strengthen their mid-table position and could see them climb into the top half
Teams in the tunnel at the Bet365 Stadium. Kick off in less than five minutes.
Fifteen minutes until kick off
Stoke tend to start seasons slowly - they failed to win until October last season. With a rebuilding job on their hands this summer after key departures they could find themselves in a relegation scrap unless they start well this time around.
The stage is just about set - can they send Arsenal home from Staffordshire empty handed? Again?
Telegraph Sport's Jonathan Liew looks at the new Stoke City
Stoke City have changed under Mark Hughes. They're still not the easiest team to play on their own patch but the days of the "cold Tuesday night in Stoke" cliche seem to be over. Their latest signing, Jese Rodriguez, seems to embody the club's transformation.
Who is Jese Rodriguez?
Stoke City's new signing makes his debut against Arsenal tonight.
The 24-year-old Spaniard's short career has been littered with silverware including two Champions League winners medals, a La Liga title, and a Spanish Cup winners medal at Real Madrid as well as a French League Cup winners medal with Paris Saint Germain - from whom he joins Stoke on loan.
The Mustafi effect
Shkodran Mustafi has had a huge impact on Arsenal's formerly faultering back four since his move from Valencia last summer.
For starters, he played in both games against Stoke last season - games which Arsenal won 4-1 and 3-1.
Since he signed on at the Emirates Mustafi has played 26 Premier League games, scoring two, and assisting two. Arsenal only lost five games in which he was involved compared to the three defeats they suffered in the nine games he missed last season.
Arsenal looking to build on only their second opening day win this decade
Judging by Mark Hughes’ managerial record against Arsene Wenger, you can imagine the Frenchman is the last person he’d choose to welcome to the Britannia Stadium as he looks to get his Stoke City rebuild off the ground tonight. He’s come up against the Frenchman more than any other manager in his career and won in only eight of their 27 meetings - three of which came while he was manager of Manchester City.
Wenger has 15 wins over his opposite number this evening and will take to the dugout at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium in confident mood. He seems to have Mark Hughes’ number, has got his side’s season off to a winning start for only the second time this decade courtesy of a 4-3 home win over Leicester, and in Alexandre Lacazette his side boast a record signing with a history of fast starts to league seasons.
Hughes will take a crumb of comfort from the fact that on the nine occasions Stoke have hosted Arsenal in the Premier League they’ve won more than they’ve lost - however it’d be delusional to view the Potters as anything other than underdogs tonight.
Team news expected in the next ten minutes.
Stoke City vs Arsenal - All you need to know
What is it?
It's week two of the new Premier League season. Arsenal travel to the bet365 stadium in a bid to maintain their 100% record following opening day victory over Leicester City.
When is it?
Arsenal and Stoke lock horns on Saturday evening on August 19.
What time is kick off?
The match begins at 5:30pm.
What TV channel is it on?
You can watch live coverage of the game on BT Sports 1 with Jake Humphrey and Ian Wright, probably.
What's the team news?
Alexis Sanchez, who has been linked with a summer move away from the Emirates, continues to be unavailable for selection due to an abdominal injury.
"For Alexis it looks a bit early, but he works hard in training," said Wenger.
"Our medical people think Saturday comes too soon but he should be available for the next game against Liverpool."
Arsenal welcome back Francis Coquelin and Per Mertesacker injury while Laurent Koscielny is serving the final match of his suspension from last season's red card against Everton.
Lucas Perez is unlikely to feature at all after stating his desire to leave the club.
Aaron Ramsey, who scored in a substitute appearance in Arsenal's 4-3 win over Leicester City, could partner Granit Xhaka in midfield at the expense of Mohamed Elneny.
Former Real Madrid striker Jese could make his Stoke debut after arriving on a season-long loan from PSG earlier this week.
Fellow new signing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting could also make his first start for the Potters.
What are they saying?
Arsene Wenger has looked to dismiss any suggestion that Stoke represent Arsenal's 'bogey team'.
“I don’t believe in bogey teams too much. What is important is the performance on the day," said Wenger.
"We had a good performance last season and we have to focus on that, just to deal with the same performance.
“Stoke have a good record at home against many teams and I’m convinced that if we play our game, we have a good chance of winning.”
Arsene Wenger has also been forced to reiterate that wantaway striker Alexis Sanchez will not leave the club.
“I am a football manager, I want Sanchez to stay, and that’s it. After that, all the financial implications, for me, are less important,” said Wenger.
“It is a financial sacrifice. It is a sacrifice that you have to calculate, how much it costs. If you let the player go and you buy somebody you spend maybe more than you lose.
“And as well if you extend the contracts it costs you maybe more than you lose when you keep the player. So you have to consider the length of the contract as well that the players want.
“So all that is into consideration, the financial sacrifice is not as heavy as it looks.”
Stoke defender Geoff Cameron has called on his teammates to 'go in Arsenal's faces'.
“Last season was disappointing against Arsenal and we can all say we didn't play well," said Cameron.
“But if we go out with the attitude we showed at Everton - running, chasing down balls, getting in their faces - it will be tough for them.
“As you can see in their first game, Leicester made it very difficult for them and I'm sure they're kicking themselves because they deserved more. We can look at that and go forward."
What's our prediction?
Despite what you may think, Arsenal actually have a brilliant record against Stoke in recent years. Back Arsene Wenger's men to comfortably see off Mark Hughes' Potters.
Prediction: Stoke 1-4 Arsenal