EPL stats preview: Matchweek 1 – Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Olivier Giroud of Arsenal and Ron Vlaar of Aston Villa battle for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match

Arsenal start their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa in the backdrop of a frustrating summer which has seen them fail to buy a noteworthy player despite the best efforts of their manager Arsene Wenger.

However, with a strong finish last season which saw them going unbeaten in last 10 games, Arsenal fans will be expecting a positive start to the campaign.

On the other hand, Aston Villa had struggled away from home last season and Villa fans will hope that Paul Lambert will turn around their fortunes this time. A realistic target for Aston Villa this season would be a mid-table finish.

Let’s look at what stats have to offer for Arsenal vs Aston Villa.

-  Arsenal have not lost at home on the opening day of the season since losing to Coventry 20 years ago.

- Arsenal are undefeated in 27 of their last 29 matches against Aston Villa in all competitions.

- Arsenal scored 47 goals at home last season, the highest in the league.

- Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches against Aston Villa in all competitions.

- Aston Villa have played their opening fixture away from home 12 times in the Premier League era and have only won once – 1-0 at Newcastle in 1999. They have drawn seven while losing on four occasion.

- Aston Villa conceded 41 goals away from home last season, the highest in the league.

- Aston Villa were the only top-flight side to earn more points away (20) than at home (20) last season.

- Aston Villa ended last season with their worst defensive record since 1986-87, having conceded 69 goals.

- The Emirates Stadium saw more goals than any other stadium in the Premier League last season – 70.