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.

Arsenal’s only summer signing Yaya Sanogo started on the bench along with playmaker Santi Cazorla.

Aston Villa, who battled to avoid relegation last season, looked to rely on 19-goal striker Christian Benteke, who signed a new deal in the summer after his initial transfer request.

New signing Antonio Luna started, while Jores Okore, Leandro Bacuna and Nicklas Helenius were substitutes.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

Subs: Podolski, Cazorla, Fabianski, Sanogo, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Gnabry.

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Luna, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Helenius, Steer, Bowery, Tonev.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)