ARSENAL GIROUD SINKS AVB's SPURS; 1-0

Giroud's close range finish midway through the opening half, after good build up by Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky was enough to secure a valuable three points for the Gunners. The win for Arsene Wenger's side sees them move above Tottenham and end their rivals unbeaten start to the new campaign.

Arsenal started the better of the two sides and twice tested Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from free-kicks inside the opening six minutes. The French number one had to be on his guard to palm away Santi Cazorla's well struck deadball. Spurs were second best in the opening stages, with Roberto Soldado's blocked shot their only significant attempt before falling behind in the 23rd minute.

Great build up play was at the heart of the Arsenal opener as Rosicky threaded a pass through to Walcott, who centred the ball for Giroud to finish past his international team-mate Lloris at close range. Walcott could have added a second moments later but his effort was well stopped by Lloris, which immediately sparked Spurs into life.

The Tottenham winger tested Szczesny for the second time minutes before the half-time interval, however the Polish stopper was once again on top keeping hold of the strike.

Arsenal suffered a blow just prior to the break with Jack Wilshere, complaining of stomach cramps, replaced by Mathieu Flamini, who made his second debut after rejoining earlier this week.