Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the game between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Arsenal trying to work a few intricate passes on the edge of that Villa box, but the visiting defence holding firm before looking to break.

Rosicky showing a fine turn of pace on the run, but Vlaar is watching him like a hawk to make a timely clearance.

Walcott narrowly fails to thread a pass through to Giroud. Vlaar back doing some mopping up work.

Wilshere is a fine player, but he is also a very noisy character when things aren't going his way. At the moment, things aren't going Arsenal's way.

Walcott throws the free-kick into the heart of the Villa area with Guzan coming off his line to punch clear. A brave piece of goalkeeping.

Wilshere taken out the action late by Vlaar. Both men are booked. Vlaar for the tackle, Wilshere for the reaction.

Gibbs is forced to depart the action to be replaced by Jenkinson.

Think Gibbs has a blood injury here to his eye, and will have to leave the park for further attention.

Benteke scores his 15th Premier League goal of 2013 – he is the top-scorer of the calendar year. Robin van Persie & Gareth Bale are next with 12 Premier League goals in 2013.

Gibbs takes a knock to the head after colliding in the air with Weimann. He is going to need some treatment here.

The fourth official trying to tell Wenger to calm down. Arsenal never seen this coming having been so much in command.

Giroud is doing plenty of complaining after he is penalised for nudging Luna on the back of the head.

Szczesny has picked up a yellow card for his troubles. The Villa fans celebrate. Level with their first real attack of the match.

GOAL! Benteke sees his penalty saved by Szczesny, but he follows up on the rebound to nod into the net. Villa draw level at 1-1.

PENALTY TO VILLA! Agbonlahor clearly bundled to the deck by Szczesny. Clear penalty. Weimann missed the loose ball before the referee pointed to the spot.

Villa yet to trouble this home goal in the opening 17 minutes. Benteke can't do anything if he isn't given the ball.

Oxlade-Chamberlain sees a shot charged down after some bright play and pass by Walcott coming in from out wide.

Arsenal fans in the ground with a banner that reads "You can't buy class". Maybe but you can buy a few class players. It is allowed.

Olivier Giroud’s goal came from an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain assist. Olivier Giroud‘s last two Premier League goals have been assisted by Oxlade-Chamberlain – also in the 3-1 Premier League home win v Norwich, April 13th 2013.

Giroud deemed to be guilty of a late one on Matthew Lowton out wide. That helps to take the heat off Villa for the moment.

Aston Villa were at West Ham United on the opening day of last season. This an altogether tougher test in London.