Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with another narrow but valuable away-day victory, as Bukayo Saka’s 59th-minute goal earned a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.
After a goalless first half, the visitors found the decisive moment through Saka, whose finish broke Villa’s resistance and separated two sides who could not be split before the interval. Arsenal controlled 60.8% of possession and won four corners, but Villa ensured they had to work for every opening.
The hosts were disciplined and combative, committing 17 fouls as they attempted to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. Christos Tzolis was booked in the 29th minute during a tense opening period, with neither side able to produce a shot on target before the break.
Arsenal eventually made their territorial pressure count in the 59th minute. Saka delivered the only goal of the match, giving the defending champions a lead they protected through a demanding final half-hour.
Villa pushed to find an equaliser but could not test the Arsenal goalkeeper, finishing with seven attempts but no shots on target. Their late frustration showed in bookings for Alysson in the 80th minute, John McGinn in the 81st minute and Ian Maatsen in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Arsenal saw out a lengthy finish, with the match running to 90+10, to secure the clean sheet and all three points.
The result keeps Arsenal perfect at the start of the league campaign at 2-0-0, while Villa are left searching for their first points after a second straight defeat. Arsenal will next face Chelsea on September 6, while Aston Villa travel to Hull City on September 5.
