THE groans among the 23,095-strong crowd at the National Stadium in Kallang on Thursday night were audible.

A large majority of them sported Arsenal's famous red Puma jersey, and they were eager to witness a piece of history as the North London club finally began the post-Arsene Wenger era under new manager Unai Emery.

They expected a winning start. They didn't get what they wanted. At full time, the supporters trudged home disappointed as the Gunners laboured to a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid before succumbing to their Spanish opponents in a penalty shoot-out.