The Gunners raced into a two-goal lead after 16 minutes and created a hatful of chances as they exposed Birmingham's frailties on their Premiership debut.

"It was a difficult afternoon for us and we have to learn from it," said Bruce.

"We needed to set our stall out and make it difficult for them but we gave a soft goal away early in the game."

And Bruce was keen to emphasise the positives.

"We will learn from the experience - and we have to do so quickly. If we do that we will get stronger and that is okay."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was pleased with his team's performance.

"We created a lot of chances but we did not finish all of them.

"But we didn't concede and that was the most important of all."

The win was Arsenal's 14th consecutive top-flight victory - setting a new Premiership record.

"Setting the new record means we are playing at a consistently high level.

"There is a great team spirit at this club and a real desire to win every game."

With Tony Adams now retired Patrick Vieira is the team's captain - and Wenger said he was expecting an excellent season from the French midfielder.

"Patrick was great throughout pre-season and we saw the real Patrick against Birmingham.

"We will see a lot of the real Patrick this season - he is really up for it."