Vela and Fabregas nearly combine in the Stoke box, but Sorensen, by some distance Stoke's best player, bravely intervenes.

Four minutes of injury time will be added as the game fizzles out. Stoke have been well-beaten today.

Vela tees up Ramsey, whose powerful shot is straight at Sorensen.

Glenn Whelan makes good progress down Arsenal's left and wins Stoke's second corner of the match. Arsenal clear their lines.

Almunia finally has a save to make - Fuller tries his luck from distance but the effort lacks power.

Fabregas sets up Arshavin, who looks set to make it 3-0, but Andy Wilkinson makes a well-timed challenge. The corner is cleared.

It took a long time, but Arsenal can finally relax.

Huth flicks on a Delap long throw into the six yard box, but Gallas clears.

A Delap long throw falls to Salif Diao, but his shot is wildly off-target. Almunia has not been tested at all today.

Arsenal are still in charge of this game but are finding a decisive second goal elusive.

A good move by Arsenal releases Sagna on the right flank, but his cross is gathered by Sorensen at his hear post.

Arsenal get yet another corner but Stoke clear - the ball falls to Thomas Vermaelen, but he lashes his shot wide.

Stoke are showing a little more urgency in possession, but they are still lacking in quality.

Aaron Ramsey crosses for Arshavin but Faye sticks out a leg to divert the goal-bound shot onto the bar. More frustration for the Gunners.

Tuncay latches onto a long ball forward and nearly has a clear sight at goal, but the ball won't quite fall for him and William Gallas gets back to block the shot.

Stoke still can't retain possession - they need to improve their passing and hold-up play in Arsenal's half.

Tuncay is again caught offside - Ricardo Fuller is warming up and could well soon be on.

Stoke have simply not got a foothold in this game - they have had to rely entirely on set pieces.

Arshavin is allowed too much time to line up a shot on the edge of the box, but Sorensen again saves well.

Arsenal have not retained their momentum from the first half and Arsene Wenger will be mindful that his team's advantage, for all their first half dominance, is a slender one.

Fabregas moves into a dangerous position in the Stoke box but neither shoots nor crosses and the ball drifts behind for a goal kick.

Three minutes of first half injury time will be added.

Robert Huth tackles Eboue in a dangerous area as Arsenal break at speed again.

Sidibe is fit to continue. The Potters will have an eye on the half-time break.

Mamady Sidibe goes down under a challenge from Thomas Vermaelen and the physio is on to administer treatment.

Arsenal break at speed and force another save from Sorensen, this time from Fabregas. Somehow only one goal divides the teams.

When Stoke do get the ball they cannot keep hold of it for long enough to pose any threat.

Eboue and Sagna are having plenty of joy down Stoke's left but on this occasion the pair cannot get the ball into the box.

Liam Lawrence hits the Arsenal bar after another Delap throw causes panic, but the whistle had gone for a foul.

The Gunners nearly make it 2-0 - a Rosicky shot deflects onto the post and into Fabregas' path six yards out but his own player denies him - Eboue found himself in the way with the goal gaping.

Arsenal are still bossing possession - they do not seem hampered by the lack of holding midfielder or out-and-out centre forward.

Matthew Etherington plays in Tuncay, who is offside. The Turkish international is making his first Stoke start today and is struggling to beat the Arsenal offside trap.

The penalty is saved! Sorensen denies Fabregas, making a good save low to his left.

Bacary Sagna whips in a good cross for Arshavin, who nearly finds space in between the Stoke centre halves - it would be a surprise if the hosts scored in that fashion today.

Nasri tees up Fabregas for a shot on the edge of Stoke's box, but a good interception by Danny Collins averts the danger.

Arsenal have already had a warning about Stoke's prowess at set pieces, which could be crucial today as the hosts lack height throughout their team.

Another Delap long throw threatens the Arsenal goal, but Thomas Vermaelen clears at the second attempt.

Stoke enjoy their first good spell of possession, which has taken the sting out Arsenal's flying start.

Rory Delap's first long throw causes panic in the Gunners' defence - Manuel Almunia comes to claim but makes no contact and the ball is scrambled behind. The corner is cleared.

Rain starts to fall in North London. Stoke haven't got into this game yet - they will need to do more than just play on the break.

The Gunners have started well and fashion another excellent chance, Samir Nasri forcing a decent save by Sorensen, who could be a busy man today.

Arsenal should be 1-0 up - Fabregas expertly slips in Arshavin but a heavy touch allows the on-rushing Sorensen to smother the chance.

A quick interchange of passes gets Arsenal their first corner after Huth blocks an Arshavin cross. The corner is cleared.