Christian Benteke struck twice to inspire Aston Villa to a shock 3-1 win at Arsenal on a dramatic opening day of the Premier League season on Saturday.

Striker Daniel Sturridge scored and new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved a late penalty to earn Liverpool a deserved 1-0 win over Stoke City and Norwich City drew 2-2 with Everton.

West Ham United beat promoted Cardiff City 2-0, Fulham won 1-0 at Sunderland and Southampton striker Rickie Lambert converted a late penalty to secure a 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal took an early lead at the Emirates through forward Olivier Giroud but Benteke equalised from the rebound after having a penalty saved and the powerful striker fired home another spot-kick after 62 minutes.

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off before full back Antonio Luna grabbed a late third for Villa.

Sturridge put Liverpool ahead against Stoke with a firm 20-metre shot after 37 minutes and Mignolet plunged to his right to keep out Jonathan Walters's penalty a minute from time.

Champions Manchester United begin the defence of their title at Swansea City in the late kickoff.

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