Arsenal v Aston Villa live: Score and latest updates from Premier League clash

CLOSE! What a chance this is for Villa!

Konsa dispossesses Gyokeres near halfway before driving towards the area. It’s a 3-v-2 and he opts to thread a through ball to Watkins, with the England man scuffing a shot from close-range past the near post!

The ex-Arsenal man, in goal for Villa, is already winding up the vociferous home supporters with his slow approach to goal-kicks.

They also think Andre Onana should have got a booking for that fall/dive in the box… and they may well be right.

A penalty appeal from Villa as Onana wins the loose ball in midfield beofre driving towards the area and falling under the challenge from Saliba in the box. nothing doing for the ref though.

The visitors are starting to grow into the game in possession.

The first half-chance of the match falls to Gyokeres, who gets a head to the cross from the left but can only direct it onto the top of the net.

The hosts are beginning to dominate possession even at this early stage, though there hasn’t been anything of note in attack from either.

Plenty of tempo to the game early on, with neither side letting the other have the ball for long.

Arsenal quickly settle into possession but Odegaard can’t find Trossard with the clipped ball over the defence.

We’re underway at the Emirates! Which side will lay down a marker tonight?

Pre-match fireworks and a light show? It really must be a big game.

Quite the scene as Arsenal close out 2025. Players will be out in the next few minutes…

We’re only five minutes away from kick-off at the Emirates, with both sides about to come out onto the pitch.