ARSENAL began its Premier League title defense in commanding fashion Sunday, dominating against newcomer Birmingham City to win 2-0.

　　In doing so, the Gunners created a new Premier League record of 14 consecutive league victories, following on from their strong end-of-season run.

　　"The record means the team has a momentum and I think the team enjoys the football they play," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "This team has a great spirit and desire and I think that's why we've got this record."

　　Birmingham was often overwhelmed in its first top-flight game in 16 years, but dug in when new Senegalese signing Aliou Cisse was sent off in the 73rd minute on his Premier League debut after receiving two yellow cards for late tackles.

　　Thierry Henry scored Arsenal's first goal nine minutes in, with a curling free kick eluding Birmingham goalkeeper Nico Vaesen.

　　Sylvain Wiltord added the second in the 24th minute with a strong run down the left. He cut inside to beat three Birmingham defenders to score into the roof of the far side of the net.

　　Arsenal kept up the pressure with Vaesen saving from Ray Parlour and the post stopping Sol Campbell.

　　Birmingham's only shot on target in the first half was a long-range attempt by Olivier Tebily, which was easily grasped by Arsenal keeper David Seaman.

　　The Birmingham forwards didn't see much action in the second half, but defender Darren Purse had a standout game, stopping attempts from Wiltord and Parlour. He also made a dramatic save off the line in the closing minutes.

　　Earlier, Liverpool beat Aston Villa 1-0, with a John Arne Riise goal.

　　Liverpool, who finished runner up in the league last season to Arsenal, was the stronger side, but missed several opportunities.

　　Two minutes into the second half, midfielder Danny Murphy passed to Riise, who struck a low shot inside Villa 'keeper Peter Enckelman's near post.

　　Enckelman had a strong game, making several saves, including a Michael Owen penalty attempt.

　　"We always look to improve and in the last four years we have improved a lot," Riise said. "But this time we can only go one place better."

　　Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier changed the forward line used in the Community Shield, leaving Emile Heskey on the bench and putting Michael Owen and new Senegalese signing El Hadji Diouf up front.

　　Diouf made an impact on his league debut — missing a good chance from a Steven Gerrard cross, and beating defenders with his pace, but his expressive reaction to being tackled earned him a yellow card.

　　Aston Villa included transfer-listed Turkish defender Alpay in the starting lineup, while England striker Darius Vassell passed a fitness test to play.

　　"Everyone has given the title to Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool but they did not trample over us today," Villa manager Graham Taylor said.