Former Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez enjoyed a dream start to his Stoke City career by scoring the winner as Arsenal again came unstuck at the Bet365 Stadium.
Jese, who was thrust straight into Mark Hughes’ side after arriving from Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, slid in from a tight angle after being left unmarked to pick up Saido Berahino’s pass.
The Spaniard’s strike came just 90 seconds into the second half, after an opening 45 minutes the visitors had dominated.
Arsenal thought they had equalised when Alexandre Lacazette rifled in, only for the France striker to be ruled offside.
The Gunners continued to press in the closing stages, but Stoke remained resolute to earn their first win of the Premier League season
Can Stoke help Jese rebuild his career?
Stoke have managed to attract a few players with impressive pedigree over recent seasons, but perhaps none more exciting than Spain international Jese.
The 24-year-old forward was considered one of the best products of his generation in the Real Madrid academy by some observers, only for his career to stall after he suffered a serious knee injury – ironically as a result of a challenge from Arsenal opponent Saed Kolasinac, who was then playing for Schalke – shortly before the 2014 World Cup.
After failing to force his way back into Real’s plans following his recovery, an underwhelming spell at French giants Paris St-Germain followed before he attempted to rebuild his career with a loan move to hometown club Las Palmas.
The La Liga side decided he did not offer enough to warrant a longer deal – amid reports he was distracted by his rap band – which has allowed Stoke to bring him to the Premier League.
On the evidence of his match-winning debut, it may prove a shrewd signing by Potters boss Hughes.
Jese showed glimpses of his attacking flair and willingness to work throughout, none more so than for what proved to be the only goal of the game.
He started the move on the halfway line, driving forward with pace and purpose, before finding substitute Berahino on the left and then continuing his surge to collect a return pass and convert.
Eventually he ran out of steam – unsurprising after being left out of PSG’s pre-season plans – and received a standing ovation when he was replaced after 70 minutes.
Stoke fans will be hoping his goal was the first of many during his season-long loan.
BBC Sports