Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal: Saka Strike Seals Gunners’ Win
Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike earned Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 win at Aston Villa.
The England international converted from close range just before the hour mark as the champions made it two wins from two to start the new season.
It was far from a vintage performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, but they ground out the victory in familiar fashion.
For Aston Villa, it was a second successive defeat as they continue to adjust to life after a turbulent summer that saw several big names depart, including Ezri Konsa, who received a mixed reception on his return to Villa Park.
There have been new arrivals too, with striker Nicolas Jackson making his debut, and despite the defeat there were encouraging signs for the hosts.
Villa could have taken something from the game had Emiliano Buendía’s effort not crashed against the crossbar, and they pushed hard for an equaliser late on but could not find a way through.
