Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed his full home debut despite defeat to Manchester United.

It was a bittersweet full debut for the winger, who did not know for certain whether he would be starting until the morning of the game.

"It's a stride in the right direction for me and that's what I want to be doing," said Oxlade-Chamberlain, who set up Robin van Persie's equaliser.

"It's not going to be easy to keep that position. I can't say I will at all.

"All I can do is keep working hard on the pitch and keep putting my all into it and try to repay the boss's trust with the performances.

"Every game for Arsenal is massive for me. Whether it's in the FA Cup or the Carling Cup, I'm excited to play. You just have to come to the stadium and the fans to get excited.

"But, obviously, such a massive occasion like against arguably the best team in the country in Man United, it doesn't come better than that.

"To compare yourself against them is always nice and I was happy I got a chance."