The match began with both goalkeepers being called into action early on. Emiliano Martínez made a save to deny Martin Ødegaard, and Ollie Watkins created space in the box but was stopped by David Raya. Bukayo Saka's involvement grew, but his ambitious strike was saved and he sent a header wide before having a shot blocked by Amadou Onana.

Saka seemed to have been involved in a potential Arsenal opener 22 minutes in, but he was offside when he squared the ball for Eberechi Eze to convert. Villa continued to press, with Boubacar Kamara starting a move that led to Declan Rice blocking a Matty Cash strike.

Cash finally scored in the 37th minute, as Pau Torres' cross was deflected to him and he scored through David Raya's legs. Arsenal's attempts to equalize before halftime were unsuccessful, with Ben White and Rice's shots being saved.