Neither Aston Villa nor Arsenal could find a goal in the first half of their Premier League match this evening, going into the break locked at 0-0.

© PA Photos

The hosts made the brighter start to the match, coming close to breaking the deadlock when Christian Benteke was left unmarked inside the box, only to send his header wide from 10 yards.

The Gunners responded with a chance of their own just minutes later, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain dragged his shot tamely into the side netting.

Aaron Ramsey was the first Arsenal player to force Brad Guzan into a save, creating space for the shot before being denied by the feet of the Villa keeper.

Arsenal should have taken the lead one minute before the break when Laurent Koscielny found himself six yards from goal with the ball at his feet, but the centre-back could not sort his feet out in time and sent his effort over the bar.