Arsenal lead Aston Villa 2-0 at the interval, courtesy of goals from Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott.
A hint of controversy started the match when Arsenal defender Johan Djourou seemingly elbowed Emile Heskey in a challenge, but no decision was forthcoming.
Aston Villa started the match the better and they might have taken the lead after seven minutes when Marc Albrighton advanced on goal, but the winger fired high and wide.
Arsenal were next to go close, however, after good work from Walcott presented Tomas Rosicky with a chance after nine minutes, before Walcott went close himself.
The home side opened the scoring after 16 minutes when Gibbs darted into the box before finishing in the bottom corner.
The Gunners continued to dominate proceedings in the early stages, with Robin Van Persie pulling the strings against a poor Villa side.
Arsenal moved 2-0 ahead after 25 minutes when Walcott found the bottom corner after good work from Alex Song.
Van Persie and Walcott both came close in the latter stages of the half, with the Gunners extremely comfortable.
Matt Law
