Benteke punishes Arsenal, Mignolet lifts Reds

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-metreshot after 37 minutes and Mignoletplunged 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.