UK Back Pages: Giroud Sees Red as Arsenal Lose in Croatia

With both Manchester clubs starting with defeats from their opening Champions League ties, Arsenal and Chelsea were hoping for better fortunes as they travelled to Dinamo Zagreb and hosted Maccabi Tel-Aviv, respectively.

The Blues delivered with ease, brushing their opponents aside with goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas. Eden Hazard's missed penalty and an injury to goalscorer Willian were the only downers for Jose Mourinho's men.

However, it was a considerably less comfortable night for Arsenal, as they got their campaign off to the worst possible start with a 2-1 defeat in Croatia. Olivier Giroud saw red in the first half for two yellow cards, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's own goal meant even Theo Walcott's consolation couldn't rescue a point for the Gunners.

It's pretty clear whom Sun Sport blame for Arsenal's defeat...

"

Thursday's Sun back page: Ox 'n the Ass #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #afc pic.twitter.com/zjVk5bJNLi

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) September 16, 2015"

While Star Sport don't pull any punches, either...

"

Thursday's Daily Star back page: Giroud is red-faced #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #afc pic.twitter.com/mtuuYxJwsY

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) September 16, 2015"

Finally, Mirror Sport complete the trio by focusing on Giroud's lack of discipline...

"

Thursday's Daily Mirror back page: Smash and Zagreb #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #afc pic.twitter.com/qo1ZcH7Fvf

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) September 16, 2015"

Next up for Arsenal and Chelsea, it's each other, as the London rivals clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

[Twitter]