MGinn finally in the book. Lokonga pressing high and winning it off him.

It seems like we've realised that Prem refs are the most lenient in the world and will often give the decision to the quicker, faster team rather than the team waving their arms asking for the foul

and Tavares

One thing I like about Tomiyasu is he will use his left foot if the best and quickest option is to use his left foot. Far too often players get themselves in trouble or let themselves get closed down by always wanting it on their preferred foot

Saka switched to the left

I meant Tavares
Both full backs

Is there a known weakness in Martinez that Arteta has asked the team to exploit? So many taking long shots.

Villa have to change their formation, both our full backs are getting forward at will. Expect them to try and do something about that.

This intensity really should be the baseline for the team. Before the perfect formation, innovative tactics, or playing this player over that player, we need this kind of intensity and drive. If we get that on a consistent basis, we'll be able to play different players in different set-ups and get good results.

Villa playing with wing-backs. The key to getting on top of that system is keeping the two wing backs penned back so they're forced to play a back 5 and also doubling up on their wing back or forcing the wide CB to come out in to wide areas where they aren't comfortable.

Tomiyasu is going really tight on Targett and Saka is pinning him back, and Emile Smith Rowe and Tavares are the out ball on the left which keeps cash pinned back.

If only Lacazette had started in the Palace match. He is not giving the opposition any time to settle.

Close from Partey from a near post corner again - just gets too much on it. Villa are vulnerable from set pieces. They threw away a 2-0 lead to Wolves from conceding from Set Pieces

That's it Ramsdale. Claim those balls.

Penalty!

That should be a penalty, goes through the back of lacazette to win the ball

Come on ref give it.
Yes!

VAR in our favour again

Yes!

Aubameyang 2-0

Aubameyang !!!!!

A bit surprised Aubameyang was allowed to take the rebound, not sure what the rules say but I assume the ref knows.

I didn't think it was a penalty but....

Martinez saved the penalty but Aubameyang tucks in the rebound. Not a great penalty but stayed alive for the rebound.

Nothing less than we deserve - we've smashed Villa

Aubameyang!!!! Yes.
We deserve the 2 goal lead.

Why would that be? If Aubameyang had hit the post he wouldn't have been allowed to tuck in the rebound. Another player has to touch the ball before you touch it again.

That's a fantastic half for us. Good intensity. Well done Arteta!

All 11 players played well.

Thought Carragher summed up the penalty incident well. Lacazette has no real interest in playing the ball but makes sure he gets his foot in front of where the defender is going to clear it and is saying 'go on kick the back of my leg'. You wouldn't put much blame on the villa defender as there isn't much he could do about it and given that same situation another 10 times he'd instinctively do the same thing again every time - just got outdone by a smart striker

Nothing wrong. It is allowed.

Now that is a dominant half of football

Kept my eyes opened unlike the Palace match.

Bailey warming up for Villa. The game isn't won yet, we need to keep switched on.

He's seriously dangerous. Back 4 for them now

That's a very weak claim for a penalty from Ings

Smith-Rowe!!

Villa already much better this half

Smith-Rowe!!!!!!!

Oh YES 3-0

bit of a lucky finish but a nice counter - the work rate hasn't dropped!

That's surely that. Keep a clean sheet and a few more goals.

Emile Smith Rowe!!!!!!!

Emile Smith Rowe just as fast with the ball as without it. what a player

A bit lucky with the deflection, but that was an excellent counter-attack. Smith-Rowe winning the ball, great pass from Tavares to Aubameyang, great flick by Aubameyang and Smith-Rowe follows through.