Arsenal 1 Aston Villa 1

The 1st competitive match hosted at the new Emirates Stadium, witness by a crowd of 60023, did not have a perfect ending for the Gunners. The home side got the lion share of the possession but that did not translate into goals. Their passing still entertains the crowds but everyone is so shy in front of goal and don't seems to wanna take a shot at goal to the fans' frustration. Another howler from Lehmann to concede a lame goal from set-piece (heck, are we missing Campbell already?!). The equalizer came from an unlikely source of Gilberto Silva, who rifles in a good half-volley from six yards out after Olof Mellberg threatened to wrench the Gunners' house warming party by scoring the opening goal.

Some of the players seem tired from their extended world cup excursion during the summer, notably Henry, who looked a bit out of sorts. His first touch lets him down a couple of time and his shooting went wayward. Cesc Fabregas was rather lively in the middle of the park though, spraying the passes around and dictating the play. Of course the moment came when Theo Walcott finally made his EPL debut after coming on for Ljungberg in the 73rd minute. And his running caused the Villains all sorts of problem. And he was the one providing the assist for Gilberto's equalizer. Hope we can see much more of him as the season goes.

Its still early days yet but certainly this is not what the fans are expecting.