Matty Cash goes on a marauding run into the Arsenal half but is stopped in his tracks by Thomas Partey, who is shown a yellow card by Andy Madley.

Douglas Luiz tries his luck from the free-kick but sends his effort high over Bernd Leno's crossbar.

Image source, Getty Images

Bukayo Saka wants a second.

The Arsenal goalscorer finds a pocket of space on the edge of the area and sends a left-footed drive just wide of the far post.

That wasn't far away either.

More intricate play between Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ends with the former firing at goal from inside the area. The ball takes a deflection off a Villa defender on its way behind.

Arsenal fail to make the most from the resulting corner, however.

That was a shot - and a very good one too.

Not for the first time this afternoon, Ezri Konsa makes an important interception before picking out the run of Ollie Watkins. The ball eventually lands at the feet of John McGinn, who sends a low shot towards the far post which misses the target - but not by much.

There's a bit more about Aston Villa since the restart but they still haven't tested Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal.

Cedric Soares has had a good game so far but the full-back chops down Ashley Young near the corner flag and Villa have a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Young plays the free-kick short to Coutinho, whose ball towards the far post goes out of play before any of his teammates can get a touch.

Not one of Coutinho's better deliveries.

Bukayo Saka races clear after dispossessing Jacob Ramsey near the half-way line. The winger surges into the penalty area but is closed down by Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz before getting his shot away.

Villa don't understand why they weren't awarded a free-kick for Saka's challenge on Ramsey.

Much better from Aston Villa. Ashley Young comes forward down the left and sends an inswinging cross towards the far post, which is headed behind by Gabriel.

The resulting corner is a poor one, though, and Arsenal manage to clear.

Ezri Konsa does well to block Martin Odegaard's shot at the expense of another Arsenal corner.

Villa clear the danger though and launch an attack of their own.

AiStudios: Can Tomiyasu just walk back into this Arsenal line-up? Cedric is doing a terrific job at full-back. This is the depth we've been craving.

The corner is played to Emile Smith Rowe on the edge of the Aston Villa box.

The midfielder takes a touch before shooting straight at Emiliano Martinez.

Alexandre Lacazette's shot is blocked on the edge of the box by Jacob Ramsey but Arsenal win the ball back.

Cedric Soares whips in a cross from the right, which strikes Ashley Young in the face and rolls out for an Arsenal corner.

Away we go.

No changes from either side - yet.

Arsenal are first out for the second half, closely followed by Aston Villa.

Ready to get going again, folks?

Michael Brown
Former Manchester City midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Villa can blame the referee, but look at the top of the pitch. Philippe Coutinho, Emi Buedia, Ollie Watkins, no shots on target. Arsenal have had 58% possession.

They've got to be better second half.

Shanu 'Shai' Afolami: I still don't understand why a senior, supposedly more 'mature and experienced' player like Xhaka gets into all these needless situations to pick up unnecessary cards.

It was a fine strike from Bukayo Saka, but should Emiliano Martinez have done better?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Noel Fitzpatrick: Villa have to get Ings on and go two up top, Watkins has a thankless task against two centre backs.

Bukayo Saka's goal is the difference between the teams at the interval.

One or two boos around Villa Park as the players come off.