Bukayo Saka twists one way and then another before unloading from the edge of the Villa box. That's high, wide and handsome though.

Here we go again. Big half needed from Villa who are bringing on Leon Bailey to replace Axel Tuanzebe.

Time to try and find my laws of the game booklet I think.

The half-time whistle looked like it might have been blown when that penalty was awarded. Obviously it was then saved before the rebound went in. But, if it was, when should the half have been over?

If it hadn't though I can postpone my search.

Here's a stat for you.

Only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (12) has scored more goals in all competitions for Premier League clubs this season than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (seven).

Some excellent performances out there from the home players.

Emile Smith Rowe in particular has been very impressive, getting on the ball and making more passes (34) than any other Gunners player.

To think, Aston Villa tried to buy him in the summer as well. Bet they wish they had got him.

Lee Dixon
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Is that clear and obvious when looking at it again that it is a penalty? I don't think so. In which case you stick to your original decision. But he saw it again and obviously thought he had got it wrong.

Ross, Lichfield: Fully deserved 2-0 lead, but that is never a penalty. Clearly got the ball before Lacazette throws himself to the ground once again.

Ian shepherd: a deserved 2 nil lead, we've battered them this half! Was it a penalty? ... you'll take those decisions. Smith Rowe looks better and better with each game, if he plays well, arsenal play well.

Mike: Wow. So Lacazette escapes with nothing for a studs up challenge and now gets a penalty for absolutely nothing. Very poor referring.

Not sure Aston Villa can have too many complaints about the scoreline even if they were not happy with that penalty being awarded.

Lee Dixon
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

He makes contact with the ball and he makes contact with the back of the leg as well. The defender will feel that is very harsh because he makes contact with the ball, but he also makes contact with his leg marginally before.

It's been given. The Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is going mad but it looks a pen to me.

Image source, Getty Images

Video Assistant Refereepublished at 45 +3mins

45 +3mins

Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa

Oh hello. Matt Targett looks like he might have gone through Alexandre Lacazette, when clearing. Craig Pawson is off to have a look on the pitch-side monitor.

I thought he had just blown to bring this half to a close.

Albert Sambi Lokonga goes in the book for a foul on Villa's John McGinn.

Thomas Partey is a man possessed. He gets to Bukayo Saka's corner, in almost an exact replica of his first goal, but this time gets arches his neck a fraction too much and heads over.

Arsenal come forward again (to be honest they have been on the front foot all half) but Alexandre Lacazette can't get a shot off as Axel Tuanzebe gets over to help the ball out of play.

Still it's a corner for the hosts.

Arsenal have had 11 efforts so far. Villa are yet to have one. Total dominance.

Two efforts in two minutes for the hosts as they look to turn the screw.

Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga try from range but neither effort troubles Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith and his assistant Craig Shakespeare are out in their technical area for a conflab.

There's a bit of arm waving and pointing as they look for a way back into this game.

John McGinn takes out Albert Sambi Lokonga. Another yellow goes the way of the visitors, who are looking very frustrated and a little ragged at times out there.