15 Biggest Opening Day Shocks in Premier League History

7. Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa - 2013

Perhaps it was this game which forced Arsene Wenger's hand to plunge his hand deep into his wallet for the necessary funds to purchase Mesut Ozil. Having finished the previous season like a house on fire, winning eight of their final ten fixtures, quiet talk of a sustained title challenge fell flat on the opening day of the season, as a depleted Villa side left with all three points. Having finished 15th the previous season, it was certainly a surprise to see Paul Lambert's side emerge with the victory, especially after Olivier Giroud had given the Gunners the lead. Two hastily timed challenges resulted in penalties, culminating in a Christian Benteke brace, before full-back Antonio Luna rounded off the win with a late finish. Boos rang out at the screeching of the full-time whistle, with many even speculating as to whether it was time for Arsene Wenger to pack his bags. A year later, and with two pieces of silverware having been placed in a dusty trophy cabinet, suddenly those premature nay-sayers are looking a little bit foolish.