Francis Coquelin is running the show and dictating the tempo this afternoon. The minute Aston Villa cross the halfway line, he's in acres of spaces to snuff out the danger and put Arsenal back on the front foot. He's a good player.

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

"I can't believe Villa have got Fabian Delph marking Olivier Giroud at set pieces. I don't understand why one of the bigger players isn't marking him. The major threats in your opponent's team, you have to match them. It looks as though Paul Lambert favours zonal marking instead."

Sometimes the stats don't paint the full picture...

Image source, Opta

Arsenal's two full-backs, Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin, are pushing forward and really making the pitch look big from a Villa perspective. Another chance for Arsenal sees a ball swung into the box and Laurent Koscielny heads back across goal but a Villa defender manages to clear the danger. Could be a rout this.

Image source, Getty Images

An early goal to tell you about in Scotland - and it has gone the way of Celtic, with Leigh Griffiths heading them in front against Glasgow rivals Rangers.

The Rangers defence was caught napping at a Stefan Johansen cross from the right wing and Griffiths nodded home past Steve Simonsen from close range. How can Rangers respond?

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

Craig Bourne: Villa playing with fire. Arsenal been through several times in eight minutes. Massive hole in the middle of defence. Could end up four or five.

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I've wondered about Aston Villa for a while now... what is their actual plan? Do they have any aspirations or is Premier League status the beginning and end of it all?

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

"You were convinced Olivier Giroud was going to shoot and get his second, but then he decided to play a one-two in the penalty area instead. Villa need to be a bit more patient with the ball now. They are giving it away in their own half and Arsenal are quickly getting four or five bodies forward in attack, outnumbering the Villa defence."

Image source, AFP

Arsenal are rampant now and Olivier Giroud wastes a good opportunity before Hector Bellerin flies down the right and puts in a dangerous cross which Alan Hutton clears with his head. The Gunners are looking in fine fettle this afternoon.

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

"I thought Aston Villa had got out of jail because the ball seemed to stick in Olivier Giroud's feet, but he gathered himself to just chip it over the goalkeeper."

Image source, Reuters

Route one, with a touch of magic, and Arsenal are in front. Per Mertesacker punts the ball forward towards Mesut Ozil in the centre of the park and the Germany international plays an exquisite flick which sends Olivier Giroud scampering through on goal. The Frenchman stumbles a little, but manages to compose himself and finish with aplomb.

Garry: I can't see this game being anything other than damage limitation for Villa.

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Arsenal have a real zip about their play today and Nacho Monreal drives down the left before cutting inside and rolling the ball to Aaron Ramsey who smashes the ball wide of the post.

Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Arsene Wenger's weekly battle with the zip on his coat has started. It's about 8-2 to the coat this season."

There's still plenty of empty seats at the Emirates. Are fans cutting it fine after watching the tennis, or is the Emirates not going to be full today?

A great chance for Arsenal early doors - Aaron Ramsey plays a defence-splitting pass which Theo Walcott latches onto, but Jores Okore shows a clean pair of heels himself and makes a potentially goal-saving tackle on the England forward.

We're up and running.

Image source, Getty Images

England manager Roy Hodgson is in attendance, alongside assistant Gary Neville. They have both sat on red blankets/throws. Plenty of opportunity for a snuggle if this winter's afternoon becomes too cold.

Right then. Let's get this show on the road. The teams are out on the pitch, kicking the ball between themselves as the players' names are read out.

The players line up side by side in the Emirates tunnel. Arsenal's training top, with red and white hoops around the lower half, is very retro. Retro is the future, though, isn't it?