Bukayo Saka’s second-half goal earned Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday, extending the Premier League champions’ perfect start to the 2026/27 season.
Saka struck in the 59th minute, turning home Riccardo Calafiori’s low cross after Eberechi Eze had helped create the opening.
The goal settled a closely contested match in which Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances.
The victory gives Mikel Arteta’s side six points from their opening two league matches, following their 3-0 victory over Coventry City in their first game.
Arsenal have also kept clean sheets in both matches, underlining the defensive strength that has accompanied their strong start.Villa, meanwhile, remain without a point after suffering their second consecutive defeat.
Unai Emery’s side had been beaten 4-0 by Brighton in their opening match but produced a much more disciplined performance against the champions, limiting Arsenal for long periods and threatening early in the contest.
Emiliano Buendia came closest to giving the hosts the lead in the first half when his powerful effort struck David Raya’s crossbar.
Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm before the interval, with Arteta replacing Christos Tzolis at half-time and introducing Eberechi Eze.
The change helped Arsenal become more dangerous after the break.
They briefly thought they had been awarded a penalty when Saka went down following a challenge from Ian Maatsen, but VAR ruled that the foul had occurred outside the penalty area.
Arsenal did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. Three minutes after the penalty decision, Eze found Calafiori advancing into the area, and the Italian defender sent a low ball across goal for Saka to finish from close range.
Villa responded by pushing for an equaliser, but Arsenal’s defence remained composed.
David Raya and the backline prevented the hosts from producing a shot on target, allowing the visitors to protect their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
Arteta described the result as a “massive win” and praised his players for their ability to manage a difficult away fixture.
The victory also marked his 151st league win in his 250 Premier League matches as Arsenal manager.The match also saw former Villa defender Ezri Konsa make his Arsenal debut against his old club after coming on late in the game.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes also made his first appearance for the Gunners.For Villa, the defeat leaves Emery with a major rebuilding challenge following a summer in which several important players departed. Nicolas Jackson and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made their Villa debuts, offering some encouragement despite the result.
Arsenal now turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture against Chelsea, another side that has won its opening two matches.
Villa, meanwhile, will look to recover when they face Hull City in their next league outing.
