Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Monday to give manager Mikel Arteta a winning celebration in his 250th Premier League game in charge.
The victory gave Arsenal two wins from two league matches at the start of the 2026/27 campaign, while Villa remain without a point after two defeats.
Villa, who suffered a 4-0 defeat to Brighton in their opening league fixture, started brightly despite losing several key players in recent weeks.
The hosts almost took the lead after 12 minutes when Emiliano Buendia’s long-range effort struck the crossbar.
Arsenal struggled to create clear chances in the first half, although Declan Rice came close from a corner, with Villa debutant goalkeeper Zion Suzuki tipping his header over the bar.
The Gunners gradually took control of possession but failed to register a shot on target before the break, while Villa striker Nicolas Jackson was largely isolated in attack.
Arteta introduced Eberechi Eze for Christos Tzolis at half-time as Arsenal looked to improve their attacking threat.
Villa had the first opportunity after the restart when Ian Maatsen fired over from a tight angle.
Maatsen was then at the centre of controversy when referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded Arsenal a penalty after he brought down Saka inside the area.
However, a VAR review showed that the contact occurred outside the box, with Arsenal instead awarded a free-kick. Martin Odegaard sent the effort narrowly wide.
Arsenal eventually broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when Riccardo Calafiori raced beyond the Villa defence before sending a low cross into the box, where Saka bundled the ball over the line.
The goal was Saka’s second in as many Premier League matches this season.
Villa were forced to open up in search of an equaliser, creating more space for Arsenal to exploit.
Suzuki, who became the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in the Premier League, then produced an excellent one-on-one save to deny Kai Havertz and keep Villa in the contest.
Bruno Guimaraes also came off the bench to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal.
Ezri Konsa later made his first appearance for Arsenal against his former club after replacing Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal held on for the win to maintain their perfect start to the season and give Arteta victory in his 250th Premier League match as manager.
The result also extended Arsenal’s impressive away record, with the Gunners winning their opening away league match in each of the last five seasons.
For Villa, the defeat extended their difficult start to the campaign, with Unai Emery’s side still yet to register a shot on target in the Premier League this season. – Agency report.
