Arsenal started life after Robin van Persie with a frustrating goalless draw against Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.
The Holland striker - whose 30 goals had dragged the Gunners into third place last season - yesterday completed a £24million move to Manchester United, having made it clear earlier in the summer he would not be signing a new deal.
Arsene Wenger's side, boasting summer signings Lukas Podolski, the German striker, and impressive Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla in the starting XI, enjoyed plenty of possession, but lacked a killer instinct in the final third.
When a clear opening eventually came their way late in the second half, substitute Olivier Giroud, who netted 21 goals for Montpellier last season, fired wide.
While there were plenty of positives to take from the workrate of his side, manager Arsene Wenger will know there must be an improvement in conversion rate if Arsenal are to challenge over the course of the season.
New skipper Thomas Vermaelen received a warm welcome from the returning Arsenal faithful, along with summer signings Cazorla and Podolski in the starting line-up.
It was a lively start by the hosts, but Sunderland remained dangerous on the counter through Stephane Sessegnon.
On six minutes, the Arsenal defence was opened up as James McClean slipped into the penalty area, but his shot was blocked smartly by Wojciech Szczesny
Spain international Cazorla, signed from Malaga, almost made himself an instant hero when he charged forwards and unleashed a 20-yard effort which Black Cats keeper Simon Mignolet beat away.
Sunderland created another decent opening when the ball was worked to Jack Colback at the edge of the Arsenal area, but his low effort was straight at the keeper.
Gervinho skipped away down the left and rode a couple of tackles before cutting the ball back across goal, only for Cazorla to drill it wide.
Arsenal continued to press Sunderland deeper as Abou Diaby's low, 20-yard effort was touched around the post.
The visitors, however, set up with two banks of four and were hard to break down.
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