Bukayo Saka's Second-Half Strike Gives Arsenal 1-0 Win at Aston Villa

Arsenal made it two wins from two to open their Premier League title defence, edging past Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park thanks to a second-half goal from Bukayo Saka.

The breakthrough came just before the hour mark in what had been a tight, cagey affair. Half-time substitute Eberechi Eze fed Riccardo Calafiori, whose low ball across goal was turned home from close range by Saka, his second goal in as many games this season. It capped a frustrating passage for Arsenal moments earlier, after they were initially awarded a penalty when Ian Maatsen appeared to foul Saka in the box, only for VAR to overturn the decision after replays showed the contact occurred outside the area.

Villa, fielding debutants Zion Suzuki in goal and new signing Nicolas Jackson up front, had chances of their own. Emiliano Buendia crashed an effort against the crossbar in the first half, while Jackson later played in John McGinn, whose effort was blocked after he failed to get his shot away cleanly. Unai Emery's side pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way past a resolute Arsenal defence.

The result extends Arsenal's perfect start to the season and means Mikel Arteta's side have now won their opening two league matches without conceding a goal. There was also a notable milestone off the pitch, with the match marking Arteta's 250th Premier League game in charge of the club. Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa both made their first appearances for their new clubs off the bench, with Konsa receiving a mixed reception from Villa supporters on his return to Villa Park.