Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Arsenal won 1-0 over Aston Villa on Monday, allowing manager Mikel Arteta to celebrate his 250th Premier League game in charge.
Arsenal now has two wins from two league games to start the 2026/27 season, whereas Villa has two defeats and no points.
Villa, who lost 4-0 to Brighton in their first league game, started well despite losing several key players in recent weeks.
After 12 minutes, the hosts nearly took the lead when Emiliano Buendia’s long-range shot hit the crossbar.
Arsenal struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Declan Rice coming close from a corner, but 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 brought in Eberechi Eze for Christos Tzolis at half-time to improve Arsenal’s attacking threat.
Villa had the first chance after the restart, but Ian Maatsen shot wide from a tight angle.
Maatsen was then at the center of a controversy as referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded Arsenal a penalty for bringing down Saka inside the box.
However, a VAR review determined that the contact occurred outside the area, and Arsenal was granted a free kick. Martin Odegaard’s shot went narrowly wide.
Arsenal finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, when Riccardo Calafiori raced past the Villa defense and sent a low cross into the box, where Saka bundled it over the line.
Saka scored his second goal in as many Premier League appearances this season.
Villa was obliged to open up in pursuit of an equalizer, giving Arsenal greater room to operate.
Suzuki, the first Japanese goalkeeper to appear in the Premier League, then made an outstanding one-on-one save to deny Kai Havertz and keep Villa alive.
Bruno Guimaraes made his Premier League debut for Arsenal from the bench.
Ezri Konsa later made his Arsenal debut against his previous team, replacing Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal hung on to win, maintaining their perfect start to the season and giving Arteta victory in his 250th Premier League match as manager.
The result also extended Arsenal’s outstanding away record, as the Gunners have won their first away league encounter in each of the last five seasons.
Villa’s setback continued their poor start to the season, as Unai Emery’s side has yet to register a shot on target in the Premier League this season.
