Half-Time Report: Three goals in four minutes give Arsenal half-time lead

Arsenal have surged into a 3-0 lead away at Aston Villa in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Villa Park, courtesy of three goals in four minutes by Arsene Wenger's side.

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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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However, the home side weren't overawed by their opposition in these early stages, and nearly scored moments later when Tom Cleverley's cross caused havoc in the Arsenal box, but Clark's header failed to trouble Szczesny.

Nevertheless, 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.

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Just two minutes later, the ex-Manchester United striker scored his first goal for his new club, firing home 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.