West Ham puts early dent in Arsenal's title hopes with stunning away win

Hopes were high at the Emirates Stadium until Arsenal produced yet another disappointing performance to begin a Premier League season.

Optimism among Arsenal supporters was virtually extinguished after witnessing their team stumble out of the gate after losing 2-0 to an impressive West Ham United outfit.

Dimitri Payet was instrumental during his first match in England after helping his new team pull off a famous opening-day upset victory against one of the Premier League's title contenders.

The French international's cross into the box produced the game's opening goal as new Arsenal 'keeper Petr Cech mistimed Payet's delivery to give Cheikhou Kouyate an opportunity to head in the ball just before halftime.

Cech was left red-faced again just over 10 minutes after the break when Mauro Zarate's clever move led to a beautiful low shot that eluded the former Chelsea netminder.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger decided to go against his original promise of letting Alexis Sanchez rest following his late arrival.

However, his inclusion, along with Theo Walcott's, failed to produce the desired results as West Ham proved to be almost impenetrable in the final third. The Arsenal attack continuously surged into the West Ham end, but failed to breakthrough thanks to a well-organized back line and Adrian's superb display in goal to consistently thwart the host's attempt to cut the lead in half.

It's the fourth time in the last five seasons that Arsenal have failed to win its opening match of the season, with last year's 3-1 win being the only bright spot since 2010.

Arsenal will look to get its season back on track when they visit Selhurst Park on Aug. 16 to play Crystal Palace, while West Ham and new manager Slaven Bilic attempt to win back-to-back games when they host Leicester City.