Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time COMFORTABLE FOR ARSENAL: Three goals, three points. A deserved and thoroughly excellent win for Arsenal.
90
GOAL! - Mikel Arteta 3 : 0 SENSATIONAL FROM ARTETA! The midfielder steps up with the free-kick from 30 yards and curls a wonderful effort home past Given.
90
Yellow Card LICHAJ BOOKED: He picks up a booking for a poor challenge on Song.
90
FOUR ADDED MINUTES: That's how long Arsenal have to hold out for in this game. Can they get another to put this to bed completely?
90
VAN PERSIE HEADS OVER: That was a decent opportunity. Song's cross finds the captain inside the box, whose header cannons off a Villa defender for a corner.
89
Yellow Card COLLINS IN THE BOOK: The defender clips Arteta needlessly on the edge of the Arsenal box and gets a yellow for his troubles.
86
ARSENAL SEEING THIS OUT: There may have been a few nervy moments in this second period but overall this really has been a commanding display from Wenger's side. Just under five minutes left.
83
WEIMANN AT THE OTHER END: He's looked sharp since his arrival. The striker swivels for space inside the box but can't get enough power to trouble Szczesny. Djourou did enough too.
82
IS THAT A PENALTY?! Oxlade-Chamberlain leads the charge down the right-hand side before being felled inside the penalty area. But referee Phil Dowd says no. On replay reflections, it looks like Ireland got a slight touch.
80
DJOUROU DEFENDS WELL: Substitute Weimann tries to free up Ireland through the middle, but the Swiss centre back shepherds the midfielder out safely.
78
Substitution VILLA CHANGE: Hutton replaced by Lichaj
78
Substitution ARSENAL CHANGE: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Theo Walcott
75
RAMSEY FIRES WIDE: The Welshman spins away from his marker on the edge of the box, but fires a low drive just past the near post
73
ARTETA JUST OVER: The Spanish midfielder curls a beautiful effort in from the left but it dips just over the Villa bar. Good effort
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
They were so comfortable in the first half but at times they have been a little sloppy in the second period. I just want to see them get that third goal to put this to bed.
72
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
Top Comments:
@SSohaard on Twitter says:
Walcott is really playing excellent. He deserves to score another goal.
72
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Nigel - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game
70
Yellow Card IRELAND BOOKED: The Villa midfielder goes in late on Song and is booked
Top Comments:
@rickyalkyla on Twitter says:
Welcome back Andre Santos.
68
Substitution ARSENAL CHANGE: Andre Santos on for Kieran Gibbs
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
I wouldn't have liked to disrupt the back four, even as comfortable as they are.
68
Substitution ARSENAL CHANGE: Gervinho is replaced by Aaron Ramsey
66
Substitution VILLA CHANGE: Weimann on for Emile Heskey
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
I think there may still be a couple of goals in this. Arsenal just need to inject some pace and they will be too strong for Aston Villa.
65
GIVEN SAVES! Rosicky lets fly from 25 yards but the Villa keeper gets down to palm his shot away. One-way traffic at the moment
63
SONG HEADS OVER: The Cameroonian midfielder leaps and meets the corner, but his header hits the ground and loops up and over the bar
62
ROSICKY SHOT BLOCKED: Arsenal are stroking the ball about confidently and the ball loops up the area and comes to Rosicky who volleys it into the face of Warnock and the ball goes out for a corner
Top Comments:
@MikelArteta08 on Twitter says:
Gibbs is 17th different scorer in the league for Arsenal this season. More than any other club. #17ManTeam
59
VILLA PRESSING: The visitors make a rare foray forward and win a corner but Arsenal clear
57
CHANCE FOR ARSENAL: Rosicky breaks forward and plays a good ball out to the left to Gervinho, but the Ivorian's ball back misses his team-mate who was running into the box
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
It was a good ball into the box but it just got past Rosicky in that far-post area. But a lovely ball across by Gervinho.
53
Substitution VILLA CHANGE: Gary Gardner on for Chris Herd
52
Yellow Card WARNOCK BOOKED: Walcott looks to break on the right flank but the Villa left back takes him down and is booked
Top Comments:
@Oyagiri on Twitter says:
The team is looking good, hope Laurent's injury isn't too serious...
48
ROSICKY HEADS OVER: The Czech midfielder gets to Van Persie's near-post corner but heads well over the bar. Arsenal on the front foot once more
Kick Off HERE WE GO AGAIN: The second half gets underway, can Arsenal maintain their energy levels after such a dominant first half?
Top Comments:
@stevelmarc on Twitter says:
Sun is shining on Arsenal at the Emirates. The pressing and the passing too much for Villa.
45
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
45
GET IN TOUCH: Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Nigel - they're fielding your comments throughout the game
Half Time HALF TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
45
GERVINHO DOWN: The Ivorian appears to have picked up a knock and he will receive some treatment. After a few moments he's back on his feet and okay to continue
Top Comments:
@BeccyW26 on Twitter says:
Arsenal seem to be on fire right now. Not only the goals but everyone is working really hard right now.
42
ARSENAL IN CHARGE: Wenger's side look so confident this afternoon. They are two up, but it could be four and you just have to hope they don't take their foot off the gas because they have been terrific so far
39
OFF THE LINE BY WARNOCK! Gervinho and Van Persie break and a loose ball in the area comes to Van Persie, who nicks the ball away from Given and flicks it at goal but Warnock heads it over. So close to a third
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
I don't know how Warnock has headed that off the line, he was going the wrong way for a start.
37
CLOSE AGAIN: Vermaelen plays a good ball into the box and Van Persie gets his head to it and tries to loop it over Given, but the Villa keeper just gets his hand to it. Close
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
It was a lovely ball by Vermaelen and that header from Van Persie nearly drifted over Shay Given.
33
HE SCORES WHEN HE WANTS: A huge orange banner commemorating Robin van persie hangs from the upper tier of the North Bank. The captain will like that
Top Comments:
@DanMortimer2 on Twitter says:
I had to do that thing where you rub your eyes twice when I saw that Kieran Gibbs scored *rubs eyes*
30
WALCOTT ON FIRE: Rosicky turns superbly and plays Walcott in on the right. The England forward puts in a good cross but Collins just about clears
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal are ripping Aston Villa apart, particularly down this right-hand side. This is an important period for the visitors - they will be hoping to get to half time at 2-0 or better now.
30
#ARSENALLIVE: That's the hashtag to use if you want to have your say on Twitter. As ever we'll publish a selection of your comments right here
29
E-MAIL OUR COMMENTATORS: Go to www.arsenal.com/studio to get in touch with Dan and Nigel - they'll be fielding your comments throughout the game
28
ARTETA SO CLOSE! Given pulls off a good save to deny Arteta, who let fly from 25 yards. Arsenal well on top
Top Comments:
@itzcallum on Twitter says:
WALCOTT! Touch of the season!
26
VAN PERSIE OVER! Arsenal really in the mood now and Gervinho cuts the ball back from the left byeline for the captain, but he half volleys well over the bar
25
GOAL! - Theo Walcott 2 : 0 GOAL FOR ARSENAL! Theo Walcott slots the ball away after latching on to a lovely ball over the top by Alex Song
Top Comments:
@taffy_malone82 on Twitter says:
Walcott has started to play really well since Oxy came on board.
24
WELL PLAYED GERVINHO: Villa counter again as Agbonlahor sets Albrighton clear down the right but Gervinho tracks him back all the way and wins a free kick
21
CHANCE FOR VILLA: Ireland finds some space to the lef of the box and gets a cross in, but Vermaelen clears for a corner, which comes to nothing
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
As comfortable as Arsenal are, you know that the opposition will get a chance. The next 15-20 minutes could be crucial in this game.
20
BRILLIANT FROM ARSENAL: Vermaelen fires a lovely long pass out to the right for Walcott, who pushes it past his marker and runs on to it but Cuellar comes across to clear. Superb play
18
THE PERFECT START: Arsenal have been on top in these early stages and that goal will settle them right down. Villa are a threat on the break though, but the visitors must offer more going forward in search of an equaliser and that should open the game right up
Top Comments:
@krayzeekris on Twitter says:
‏Loving the confidence of Gibbs to go for the run and take on the shot. Congratulations Kieran, first Premier League goal!
16
GOAL! - Kieran Gibbs 1 : 0 GOAL FOR ARSENAL! Kieran Gibbs fires in at the near post after being played in at the edge of the area. That's his first league goal for Arsenal
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
Shay Given will not be pleased with himself there, he is not a goalkeeper you would normally associate with a mistake like that. If Arsenal score again, this could be anything.
15
Yellow Card PETROV BOOKED: The Villa captain goes in late on Arteta and has his name taken by Phil Dowd
13
VERMAELEN HEADS OVER: Arsenal win a corner and Van Persie bends it towards the Belgian, but his header goes well over the bar
12
VERMAELEN TO THE RESCUE: Albrighton counters again and just as he enters the box the Belgian comes across and clears, before starting an Arsenal attack
Top Comments:
@JPHughes23 on Twitter says:
Great result for us earlier in the day. Let's finish the job against Villa
9
CLOSE FOR ARSENAL! Arsenal break up the right and Van Persie flicked the ball back to Walcott, whose shot was saved by Given. The ball came back to Sagna, but he fired high and wide
Top Comments:
@Xnarrow on Twitter says:
Come on, early goal! Set the pace boys.
8
ALBRIGHTON LETS FLY: Villa break on the counter and Albrighton gets to the edge of the box but fires just over the bar for Villa. Dangerous
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
It was a good break for Villa. Albrighton went for the shot but ultimately he was off balance and Arsenal can attack once more.
6
VAN PERSIE'S SHOT BLOCKED: Gibbs breaks upfield and plays in the Dutch striker but his shot from a tight angle is blocked. The corner comes to nothing
5
HE'S BACK ON HIS FEET: Djourou should be okay to continue, he is getting a final swipe of the magic sponge on the touchline and he's soon back on the field
4
LONG STOPPAGE: Djourou remains on the floor receiving treatment, and it has been a couple of minutes now, which has made for a strange start to the game
Top Comments:
@zegmaarlex on Twitter says:
Arsenal recent form : W W W W W W
2
DJOUROU DOWN: The centre back seemed to get a knock in the face by Emile Heskey as they competed for a high ball. He's receiving treatment and while the challenge was not malicious, it wasn't pretty
Kick Off AND WE'RE OFF! Arsenal will be kicking from left to right for the first half this afternoon and we are underway at a sunny Emirates Stadium
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal are on a terrific run of form playing some exciting football. This is the type of football we wanted to see from the start of the season.
MUAMBA BANNER: A banner to celebrate former Gunner Fabrice Muamba is being passed around by supporters in the North Bank prior to kick off
Top Comments:
@Walldoff on Twitter says:
Arsenal's tributes to Muamba are wonderful to see. Wish you the best lad.
AND HERE THEY COME: The players are streaming out of the tunnel and on to the pitch to a rapturous reception from the Emirates crowd. Let's hope they have much more to cheer this afternoon
MINUTES AWAY: The Emirates is filling up fast and the atmosphere is building. What a chance this is to cement their top-three chances this is for Arsenal this afternoon
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
I have a sneaky feeling that Theo Walcott might score today.
LATE TEAM NEWS: Laurent Koscielny has a slight knee injury and has been replaced by Johan Djourou. Carl Jenkinson steps on to the bench
MAJOR OPPORTUNITY: With Chelsea and Tottenham ending goalless, Arsenal have the opportunity to go three points clear of Spurs and eight clear of Roberto Di Matteo's side in fifth
Kick off is as 3pm today (UK time), with Dan Roebuck and Nigel Winterburn as the commentary team, but our Matchday Show gets underway 25 minutes earlier. Make sure you tune in for an exclusive pre-match interview with Arsene Wenger, highlights of the Everton match and all the latest team news ahead of today’s game
SUBS: Guzan, Bannan, Weimann, Lichaj, Baker, Gardner, Carruthers
ASTON VILLA: Given, Hutton, Collins, Cuellar, Warnock, Petrov, Herd, Albrighton, Ireland, Heskey, Agbonlahor
SUBS: Fabianski, Santos, Djourou, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Benayoun, Chamakh
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie
TEAM NEWS: Arsene Wenger has made one change to the side who beat Everton on Wednesday, with Gervinho replacing Aaron Ramsey
Alex McLeish’s side may be without the injured England international Darren Bent, but they have only lost three times away from home in the league this season. That puts them behind just Manchester United, who have only lost once away from home
Villa meanwhile have been struggling for form in recent months, although their 1-0 victory over Fulham on March 10 has boosted morale
The Gunners have beaten Villa twice already this season, including that dramatic 3-2 comeback victory in the FA Cup fourth round in January
Arsene Wenger’s side are in fantastic form, having won six league matches in succession, and they will be favourites to extend that run today
Welcome to Arsenal Player for live coverage of the Gunners’ clash against Aston Villa at a sun-drenched Emirates Stadium this afternoon
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
28 GIBBS, Kieran
11 SANTOS, Andre (68)
20 DJOUROU, Johan
25 SONG, Alex
08 ARTETA, Mikel
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
14 WALCOTT, Theo
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Alex (78)
27 GERVINHO
16 RAMSEY, Aaron (68)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
25 JENKINSON, CARL
16 RAMSEY, AARON
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Aston Villa
01 GIVEN, Shay
29 HUTTON, Alan
30 LICHAJ, Eric (78)
19 COLLINS, James
24 CUELLAR, Carlos
15 WARNOCK, Stephen
19 PETROV, Stiliyan
31 HERD, Chris
38 GARDNER, Gary (53)
12 ALBRIGHTON, Marc
07 IRELAND, Stephen
11 AGBONLAHOR, Gabriel
18 HESKEY, Emile
26 WEIMANN, Andreas (66)
22 GUZAN, BRADLEY
25 BANNAN, BARRY
26 WEIMANN, ANDREAS
30 LICHAJ, ERIC
32 BAKER, NATHAN
38 GARDNER, GARY
CARRUTHERS, SAMIR
Top Comments:
Nigel Winterburn on Arsenal Player says:
He would have been a man of the match contender for his first-half performance, but he's just dropped a little in the second. Still excellent this afternoon.