**Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal as Arsenal claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa to continue their perfect start to the Premier League season.**
Mikel Arteta’s side were made to work at Villa Park but broke through in the 59th minute, with Saka finishing from close range after Riccardo Calafiori was released down the left by Eberechi Eze.
The victory follows Arsenal’s 3-0 opening-day win over Coventry City and sends the defending champions to the top of the Premier League after two matches.
Villa provided Arsenal with a far greater examination than Coventry had managed on the opening weekend.
Emiliano Buendia came closest during the opening stages when his long-range effort struck the top of David Raya’s crossbar.
Arsenal carried more possession but struggled to create clear openings before half-time, with Arteta having named an unchanged starting XI. [Arsenal’s confirmed XI against Aston Villa](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/31/arsenal-xi-vs-aston-villa-confirmed-as-130m-pair-benched/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The game opened up after the interval.
Saka thought he had won a penalty when Ian Maatsen brought him down shortly after the restart. Referee Jarred Gillett initially pointed to the spot before VAR determined that the foul had taken place outside the penalty area.
Arsenal did not have to wait much longer.
Gabriel started the move before Eze released Calafiori down the left. The Italy international beat Victor Lindelöf to the ball and fired a low delivery across goal, allowing Saka to convert from only a few yards out.
It proved enough.
Arteta introduced Mikel Merino and returning summer signing Bruno Guimarães during the second half as Arsenal looked to protect their advantage. Villa pushed for an equaliser but Arsenal’s defence remained organised to secure a second successive clean sheet.
The result also provided Arteta with a victory in his **250th Premier League match as Arsenal manager**.
Arsenal now turn their attention towards next weekend’s home meeting with Chelsea.