The Togo striker, reported to have earned a new contract doubling his money, could face a bit of work to win over some sections of the Gunners faithful after receiving a mixed reception in the 1-0 defeat.

The 24-year-old had been the subject of transfer speculation all summer, with reports of a big-money move to both AC Milan and Barcelona.

He pledged he was ready to sign a new contract extension, declaring himself happy within the Arsenal "family", but when he was announced to the crowd as starting the game on the bench some of the home support inside a packed stadium made their feelings perfectly clear.

He produced a busy display as a second-half substitute as manager Arsene Wenger opted for a youthful starting line-up, which included summer signing Aaron Ramsey, Mexican starlet Carlos Vela and 16-year-old Jack Wilshere, while Swiss defender Philippe Senderos stood in as captain.