Former Aston Villa striker Peter Withe
BBC Radio West Midlands at Emirates Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

"You feel Paul Lambert will be saying to them: 'It's 1-0 but we could have equalised.' In the second half we should see Villa pushing up high as much as they can, to put Arsenal under more pressure in their own half. And to get more players into the opposition penalty box."

Just to confirm that Christian Benteke is playing, here's the striker's touch map. He's had 11 touches of the ball in 45 minutes. Not his fault he's been starved of service, though.

Image source, Opta

Half-time is signalled as Arsenal keeper David Ospina comes off his line to confidently collect a corner. He looks accomplished - rather like the rest of his team-mates as they head for some half-time oranges.

There's almost an exhibition feel about some of Arsenal's play. They are just so good, but they are also failing to transfer their dominance into the currency of goals. One minute of injury time.

Former Aston Villa striker Peter Withe
BBC Radio West Midlands at Emirates Stadium

"Andreas Weimann should score, it was a brilliant cross into the box and he got ahead of his man. The goalkeeper made a great save though, parrying it out. And then of course Arsenal, as so often happens, went down the other end and created an opportunity of their own straight away on the counter."

Image source, Getty Images

Chances at both ends. First Andreas Weimann has a header from six yards out saved by David Ospina before Arsenal counter and Kieran Richardson makes a fine tackle to deny the Gunners.

Olivier Giroud is down with a thigh injury after colliding with Jores Okore. He looks to be struggling.

Meanwhile, up in the stands, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires watch on, chatting about the match in front of them. A pair of cool dudes.

Former Aston Villa striker Peter Withe
BBC Radio West Midlands at Emirates Stadium

"It looks like Andreas Weimann has a problem with his running. He has just indicated to the bench that something's up and I think they might have to make a change, although they might also try to give him until the break. Looking at how long is left in this first half, Villa just have to try and contain Arsenal and stay in the game."

Aston Villa are getting dominated in midfield. How they must pine for the days of Ian Taylor and Gordon Cowans? Paul McGrath would be quite useful to have at the back too. It's all too easy for Arsenal at the moment as another one-pass-too-many move ends with Theo Walcott being flagged offside.

Image source, Getty Images

It is all going very well for Celtic in the Old Firm derby against Rangers. Kris Commons has just fired in their second of the afternoon from 20 yards to make it 2-0. Rangers goalie Steve Simonsen managed to get a fingertip or two to the ball but there was just too much pace on it.

Rangers have got an absolute mountain to climb now if they are to prevent their Glasgow rivals reaching the final of the Scottish League Cup.

You can follow - and watch - the action on our Scotland live text.

The Arsenal players are almost queuing up to have a shot at goal. Roll up, roll up...

This time, Mesut Ozil lays the ball into the path of Aaron Ramsey whose powerful shot is beaten away by the goalkeeper.

Dave, Brighton: I love my team, but I've been here before. Looking awesome, but I'll only stop chewing nails when Arsenal are five up.

Antonio: Awful football from the Villains so far, can't string three passes between them. Christian Benteke must be thinking of a way out.

Sean: Don't really understand why Matthew Lowton doesn't get a game. Alan Hutton's in poor form, can't deliver the ball at all.

Get in touch on Twitter using #bbcfootball,, external text us on 81111 (UK only), or leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

For Villa, Carlos Sanchez is catching the eye as a defensive shield but his range of passing is not the best and he is often giving the ball away. Plenty of promise, though.

This time Arsenal do put the ball into the net, via Mesut Ozil, but a fine pass and move goal is chalked off because of off-side. A close call, but Villa get a break.

Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"If Arsenal had been ruthless, Aston Villa would already have been out of this game."

Former Aston Villa striker Peter Withe
BBC Radio West Midlands at Emirates Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

"For once Arsenal did not try to pass it into the net. After a lovely inter-passing move Santi Cazorla took it early from the outside of the box on his left foot, only to hit the post. Villa cannot continue to give the ball away like they are."

Arsenal are running the show - this time Santi Cazorla goes through the gears and drives at the heart of the Villa defence before curling a low shot against the base of the post. Brad Guzan was well beaten.

Francis Coquelin makes another crunching tackle in Arsenal's last third to stop an Aston Villa counter-attack in its tracks. He's buzzing about like a young Claude Makelele.

Ajay, London: A word of caution. We were saying the same thing last season at the Emirates after Arsenal were leading... and the Gunners lost 3-1!

Pav Dhande: Kind of sensing a drubbing here. Arsenal all over us. Already.

Gareth Whalley: Carles Gil must be wondering what he signed up for. Only Villa player showing any form of spark.

Jonny Brook: This Villa side looks like it needs the fat culling that relegation brings if it's ever to become good at this level again.

Get in touch on Twitter using #bbcfootball,, external text us on 81111 (UK only), or leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external