Good afternoon and welcome to LIVE coverage of Arsenal against Aston Villa from the Emirates Stadium. A 3pm kick-off for this one as the home side attempt to bounce back from recent setbacks against Paul Lambert's relegation-haunted visitors.

Great cross by Walcott, but Giroud can't get on the end of that as Villa quickly pick up the loose ball.

Villa occuping 18th spot in the table at the moment. Right in the mire. Monreal with a late challenge on Benteke, but Arsenal quickly on the move.

Santi Cazorla is the first Arsenal player to reach double figures in his debut Premier League season for Arsenal since Thierry Henry - 17 goals in 1999/2000. Could be more for him today.

Szczesny had to look lively there as that effort took a slight deflection. Vital that Villa keep themselves on the front foot. Don't want to shed another goal here otherwise this could be a long old afternoon.

Gabriel Agbonlahor smashes a shot at goal from N'Zogbia's pass, but Szczesny beats out the ball. Fine shot and save. Best move so far from Villa.

Santi Cazorla scores his 10th Premier League goal of the season. Only Theo Walcott (11) has scored more league goals for Arsenal this season. Arsenal looking to get on the ball and keep it.

Wenger off his bench to applaud that moment. Some nice play by Wilshere in the build-up there. Dream start for the home side after such an exacting week.

GOAL! Cazorla drives a low shot into the corner of the net after Baker fails to clear the ball from inside his own box and Arsenal have the lead. 1-0.

Wilshere goes for goal rather than cross for Walcott after beating the offside trap, but Guzan stands tall to beat out the shot.

Only Man United (34) have scored more home Premier League goals than the Gunners’ 33. However, only Swansea (19) have conceded more home Premier League goals than Arsenal’s 18 conceded in the top 15 in the league.

The home fans really trying to lift the spirits of their side early on. Villa with plenty of bodies behind the ball. Diaby lifts a cross straight out of play. Poor stuff from him.

Baker across to make a sturdy clearance as Jenkinson meandered down a flank. Arsenal the offensive force immediately.

The referee today is Martin Atkinson. Arsenal get the ball rolling then for the first period.

Teams on their way out for this one. Freezing day, but pitch looks in immaculate condition for passing football. Huge pressure on both sides for different reason.

For his part, Wenger insists he won't be forced out the door even though his club are facing an eighth year without a trophy. "We live in a world of emotion, of excess. We must put things into perspective and stay solid. We must stay united and not be destabilised by people with strong opinions...my love for the game and love of winning is what keeps me going."

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hit out at manager Arsene Wenger before this match. "Everything that is happening right now is ultimately down to him," said Wenger. "Yes, he sends the players out to do the business, but you have to say he is to blame. We're all still very much in the dark about the money situation at the club, whether he has money and doesn't want to spend it or he's a company man and he's protecting the board. Whatever it is I think we should have found out a long time ago."

Christian Benteke starts for Aston Villa, the striker has scored six of his 11 Premier League goals away from home. All six away goals have come in his last five away appearances. He has also scored in his last three away appearances - four goals.

Paul Lambert does not believe the criticism of Arsene Wenger is justified. He said: "The level of criticism towards Arsene Wenger is a bit over the top. He's been there 16 years and he's just missed out on winning the Champions League against Barcelona. He's won the Premier League several times, he's won the FA Cup several times. If that's 'you don't know what you're doing' then I think there's something not right there, for what he's achieved is phenomenal."

Aston Villa playmaker Charles N'Zogbia has recovered from the thigh injury suffered during the closing stages against West Ham and starts today. Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and midfielder Karim El Ahmadi are also available after illness ruled them out of the 2-1 win against Sam Allardyce's side. Agbonlahor starts the match with El Ahmadi on the bench. Winger Marc Albrighton (foot) and defender Richard Dunne (groin) are still ruled out.

Carl Jenkinson and Abou Diaby replace Bacary Sagna and Lukas Podolski from Arsenal's 3-1 loss in the Champions League to Bayern Munich on Tuesday with Nacho Monreal in for Laurent Koscielny at the back for Arsene Wenger's side. Arsenal bidding to avoid a third straight home loss in the space of a week after last weekend's 1-0 loss to Blackburn in the last 16 of the FA Cup and the Bayern drubbing in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Teams: Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal, Arteta, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott, Giroud, Cazorla..subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Gervinho, Podolski////Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, N'Zogbia, Benteke..subs: Marshall, El Ahmadi, Holman, Sylla, Bowery, Dawkins, Lichaj