Aston Villa were undone by three goals in the space of four first-half minutes as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Villa Park.
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The first chance of the game fell to the home outfit, as Wojciech Szczesny's botched clearance fell to Fabian Delph after just three minutes.
The England midfielder exchanged passes with Gabriel Agbonlahor before attempting a low shot towards goal, but the Arsenal keeper was able to get his fingertips to the ball.
In the 20th minute, the Gunners threatened twice in quick succession when Danny Welbeck's half-volley was blocked by Ciaran Clark, before Aaron Ramsey fired wide from the resulting corner.
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Arsene Wenger's side broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, when midfielder Mesut Ozil was put clean through on goal courtesy of a Welbeck pass, leaving the German to score a relatively easy goal from 12 yards.
Just two minutes later, the ex-Manchester United striker scored his first goal for his new club, firing past Brad Guzan from close range following a low cross from Ozil.
The shell-shocked home side found themselves further behind within another minute, as Villa defender Aly Cissokho bundled a wayward Kieran Gibbs shot into his own net.
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Eight minutes after the restart, a galvanised Welbeck cut inside from the left flank and, despite having options to cross, decided to shoot, his powerful effort subsequently claimed by Guzan.
Just before the hour mark, Villa showed signs of intent, a half-volley from Clark at the back post requiring a brave Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain block to see the ball out.
Nevertheless, the game's tempo slowed down in the final 30 minutes, the home side unable to take the ball off the Gunners, and Villa's frustration showed as several players found themselves booked for rash challenges.
Giuseppe Labellarte
