Arsenal begins season with a loss. Went down at home 3 – 1 to Villa.

Arsene Wenger was under increasing pressure to splash the cash before the transfer window closes in 16 days time after Arsenal crashed to an opening day defeat.

The Frenchman has signed just one player and let 17 leave during the summer and his threadbare squad has been further depleted by injuries.

Arsenal duo Keiron Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were forced off by injury in the first half and Christian Benteke took advantage to inspire Villa to victory.

Christian Benteke scored twice and Antonio Luna added a third as Aston Villa came from behind to stun Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on the opening day.

Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, but Benteke headed an equaliser after Wojciech Szczesny saved his penalty.

Benteke controversially put Villa ahead from the spot after a foul by Laurent Koscielny, who was later shown a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge.

New signing Luna raced clear to seal Arsenal's woe with a low strike.

The full-time whistle was greeted with resounding boos from the home crowd, although the arena was near-empty by that point.

Arsenal buy players, you say you have money, spend it. Haba!!! .