**Bukayo Saka delivered the decisive moment as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.**
Mikel Arteta’s champions followed their opening 3-0 victory over Coventry City with a much tighter contest in Birmingham, where Saka struck the only goal of the evening after 59 minutes.
Arsenal had initially thought they had been awarded a penalty when Ian Maatsen brought Saka down shortly after half-time, but VAR ruled the contact had taken place outside the area.
The breakthrough arrived minutes later.
Eberechi Eze helped release Riccardo Calafiori down Arsenal’s left before the defender raced beyond the Villa back line and drove the ball across goal.
Saka attacked the space at the far post and converted from close range to put Arsenal ahead.
Supporters can [watch Saka’s winning goal against Aston Villa via Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/video/11670/13579595/goal-b-saka-59-aston-villa-0-1-arsenal?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with the winger scoring his second Premier League goal in as many matches.
Villa had earlier come closest through Emiliano Buendia, whose powerful effort struck the crossbar, but Arsenal protected their advantage after Saka’s opener and completed another clean sheet.
The result gives Arteta’s side six points from their opening two matches ahead of Chelsea’s visit to the Emirates Stadium.
Read Arsenal has also assessed the individual performances from Villa Park in our **Arsenal player ratings**, with Calafiori and Saka among the standout performers.