Arteta and Vermaelen out for Gunners

Arsenal’s England trio Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all start this afternoon’s opening Barclays Premier League game against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey (ankle) was passed fit having missed the midweek friendy against the Republic of Ireland, but Mikel Arteta (thigh) missed out, as did captain Thomas Vermaelen (back), so German centre-back Per Mertesacker skippered the team.