Arsenal have surged into a 3-0 lead away at Aston Villa in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Villa Park, courtesy of three goals in four minutes by Arsene Wenger's side.

Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil shoots to score the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on September 20, 2014 © Getty Images

The first chance of the game fell to the home outfit, as Wojciech Szczesny's botched clearance fell to Fabian Delph after just three minutes.

The England midfielder exchanged passes with Gabriel Agbonlahor before attempting a low shot towards goal, but the Arsenal keeper was able to get his fingertips to the ball.

In the 20th minute, the Gunners threatened twice in quick succession when Danny Welbeck's half-volley was blocked by Ciaran Clark, before Aaron Ramsey fired wide from the resulting corner.

Santi Cazorla of Arsenal is challenged during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on September 20, 2014 © Getty Images

However, the home side weren't overawed by their opposition in these early stages, and nearly scored moments later when Tom Cleverley's cross caused havoc in the Arsenal box, but Clark's header failed to trouble Szczesny.

Nevertheless, Wenger's side broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, when midfielder Mesut Ozil was put clean through on goal courtesy of a Welbeck pass, leaving the German to score a relatively easy goal from 12 yards.

Arsenal's English striker Danny Welbeck shoots to score their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on September 20, 2014 © Getty Images

Just two minutes later, the ex-Manchester United striker scored his first goal for his new club, firing home from close range following a low cross from Ozil.

The shell-shocked home side found themselves further behind within another minute, as Villa defender Aly Cissokho bundled a wayward Kieran Gibbs shot into his own net.